WEDCO provides funds to replace nursing home
By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com

The board of the Wharton Economic Development Corp. has approved participating in a project to replace the existing Wharton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center with a larger, modern facility.

On Monday, the development corporation approved providing Regency Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers with $190,700 for a city street and utility extension to their proposed site on Sunny Lane in exchange for reaching various goals outlined in a proposed performance agreement.

The main points in the agreement include construction of the estimated $6 million project and the creation of 60 jobs.

The decision was voted on by the board following an executive session discussion and a presentation during the meeting by Regency CEO/President Heber Lacerda.

Lacerda said the company already has a presence in the community after taking over the former Wharton Manor Nursing and Convalescent Center.

He explained that while the facility gave them a foothold in the community, the building does not meet current state standards for a nursing home.

"We agreed to take it over, but to not upgrade the building," he said.

"Right now we are operating at the grace of the state.

"It doesn't meet several life safety code requirements and we're operating on a lot of waivers with the understanding that we would build a new facility in the next two years.

The proposed site is located in the area behind the H-E-B and covers four acres.

The city would have to extend existing streets and utilities 240 feet to reach the property.

The new facility will have approximately 40,000 square feet of air-conditioned space with a concrete footprint of 100,000 square feet.

Lacerda said the company hopes to break ground in January 2008.

The new facility will almost double the number of beds available from 70 in the current building to 120 in the new building.

Lacerda said the increased number of beds would allow them to double their staff from 60 to 120 people within two years and double their payroll from $1.5 million to $3 million.

Most of the jobs created would be for registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses and physical therapists, he said.

Lacerda said the new building would resemble facilities the company currently operates in Corpus Christi, Austin, Elgin and Bastrop, among others.

In response to board questions, he said the builder is based in Abilene but would be using local subcontractors when possible as well as purchasing building materials in the area.

"There isn't any reason to increase the cost by bringing in materials if you don't have to," he said.

As an added boost to the local economy, he said, individuals who would have previously gone to other cities will be able to stay in Wharton.

"And they will be using the local hospital and medical clinics," Lacerda said.

He added the new building would be Medicaid-Medicare compatible.