DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center Oversight Board met Oct. 28.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
A Regular meeting of the Members of the DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center Oversight Board (hereinafter “Oversight Board”) was held Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Multi- Purpose Room in DeKalb, Illinois pursuant to written notice to each Member as required by the By-Laws.
ROLL CALL
Chair Anna Wilhelmi called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and asked for a roll call. Those Members present were Rukisha Crawford, Abdul El-Jamal, Vice-Chair Mary Hatch, Rhonda Henke (who arrived at 6:28 p.m.), Dan Kenney, Frank Roberts, and Chair Anna Wilhelmi. A quorum was established with seven members present, one absent and one vacancy.
Other attendees include Nursing Home Administrator Bart Becker, County Board Vice-Chair Ellingsworth Webb and Recording Secretary Erica Ellison.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Kenney moved to approve the agenda as presented, Roberts seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously by voice vote.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Crawford moved to approve the minutes of the September 23, 2025 Meeting of the DCRNC Oversight Board, the motion was seconded by Kenney, and it carried by a voice vote, with all votes cast in the affirmative.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Carol Deemer expressed appreciation for the committee’s progress and unseen work.
CHAIR’S COMMENTS
Chair Anna Wilhelmi thanked the board for its continued hard work and progress. She acknowledged Liam Sullivan’s past contributions and welcomed new County staff members Amanda, Amada, and Erica. The Chair also recognized Administrator Becker for taking on extra responsibilities and reaffirmed the board’s support and commitment to a positive environment. The Chair thanked County Board Vice-Chair Webb for coordinating efforts across committees and boards.
PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
DCRNC Administrator’s Report
DCRNC Administrator Bart Becker provided an overview of the following reports:
https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/fn-rpt25sep-dcrnc.pdf
https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/fn-rpt25-3rdQ-dcrnc.pdf
Bart Becker reported that September was strong, with 17 new admissions and a steady rise in average daily census. Discharges were slightly higher than usual but mostly unavoidable, and the September census of 118 supported strong revenue. Projections for 2025, based on the Jordan Plan, forecast an average census of 127
residents. In late September and October, admissions dipped due to communication and procedural “bumps” with hospital discharge planners, however referrals remain steady due to ongoing outreach.
The number of Medicaid fee-for-service residents dropped as more shifted to managed Medicaid, which now brings in about $406 per day versus $250 for fee-for-service, and in January 2024 private pay rates rose to $400 per day to match public aid rates. Administrator Becker reported a 3rd Quarter year-to-date net income of $1,738.66, down from the 2nd Quarter income of approximately $173,000, with $200,000 in settlement revenue still under review. Expenses are below projections, revenue slightly behind, and the current census is 114 (September’s average was 118). Oversight Board members requested that the Cash Balance Report be included in future updates.
Staffing trends remain positive, with improvements in recruitment and retention. In October, there were no staff losses among CNAs, LPNs, or RNs. Three new CNAs and one RN were recently hired, helping maintain stable staffing. Becker noted that better staff retention improves care consistency and reduces costs.
Several RFPs are active, including the Walk-in Freezer/Refrigerator replacement and the Maintenance Supervisor position. Freezer installation is expected in early 2026, funded with a $200,000 FY2026 capital outlay budget. To facilitate extended training, the County Board approved hiring a new Maintenance Supervisor in advance of the incumbent’s May 2026 retirement. The position has been posted, and two applicants have applied.
Jordan Health Group’s agreement expires December 31, 2025. Four proposals (MDP Boston, O’Ready Consulting, KTS Group, and Jordan Health Group) are under review. Board members expressed concern about the short timeline and potential service gaps. The consensus was that staff should also explore an extension with Jordan Health Group to ensure uninterrupted services.
Frank Roberts offered to connect the board with his company’s healthcare team to assess each firms’ reputation and experience. Finance and HHS will review the proposals, determine the evaluation process, and coordinate with County Administration and legal counsel to ensure RFP compliance.
Creation of an Ad Hoc Marketing Committee
Vice-Chair Hatch proposed creating an Ad Hoc Marketing Committee to develop strategies for revenue growth, community outreach, and growing census. She noted that last year a similar committee was able to make progress in marketing, business office operations, and census through a short-term Ad Hoc Committee.
The committee would include three to five Ad Hoc Committee members, who would collaborate with both staff and volunteers to develop a cost-effective marketing campaign using existing resources and explore additional support. Hatch proposed presenting candidates for appointment at the November meeting. The Oversight Board agreed to move forward, with formal action to officially establish the committee and appoint members scheduled for the next meeting.
Actions
a. DCRNC FY2026 Budget Appeal
The DCRNC Oversight Board, by majority vote, recommends that an additional allocation of $28,000 be added to the DCRNC personnel budget for 2026 to cover a one-time expense related to hiring a new maintenance supervisor for up to twenty weeks to shadow the retiring maintenance supervisor prior to his departure. This staffing overlap, approved by the County Board, will ensure a smooth transition of building operations and projects that are in progress and minimize the risk of facilities issues that could result in a costly finding by regulatory inspectors.
The DCRNC Oversight Board recommends adding $28,000 to the 2026 personnel budget to cover a one-time staffing overlap for the new Maintenance Supervisor. Once approved by the board, the request will go to HHS, then Finance, Executive, and finally the County Board for final approval.
Kenney moved to advance the Budget Appeal recommendation, Crawford seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously by roll call vote.
b. DCRNC FY2024 Annual Report (Amended)
The DCRNC Oversight Board, by majority vote, recommends that the County Board accept its Annual Report for FY2024.
The financial challenges section was corrected to note that construction on the DCRNC expansion was first paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later halted when the County Board moved forward to sell the facility. It then cancelled the Certificate of Need previously filed with the state. The Operating Performance chart was expanded to include FY2019 data, showing operating revenue, expenses, and net operating results for a clearer trend analysis.
Kenney motioned to make the mentioned amended changes as proposed, Crawford seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously by voice vote. The revised report will proceed to HHS.
FACILITY TOUR
At 7:13pm, Becker began the Facility Tour. The facility features two “X” shaped buildings connected by a central Activity Center, with the majority of rooms designated for double occupancy with an increasing number of private rooms available. Renovations include fresh paint, new flooring near the entrance, updated dining areas with air purifiers, and warming kitchens that let residents access meals anytime, including breakfast.
The Activity Center serves as the main hub for programs and activities, while also helping with meal delivery and reducing hallway crowding. Specialized units include an 18 bed Transitional Care Unit for therapy and rehab, and an Alzheimer’s/Dementia Unit with 38 beds, staffed for safety and engaging activities. Both private and semi-private rooms are available throughout the building.
Therapy and medical services include a gym, bike path, OT/PT/Speech, onsite respiratory care, and upgraded equipment like bladder scanners and bariatric doors. The facility is regularly maintained, with seasonal decorations in the lobby. The front office manages administration and resident support.
CONSIDERATIONS
There were no considerations.
OLD BUSINESS
There were no old business items.
NEW BUSINESS
There were no new business items.
ADJOURNMENT
At 7:40 p.m. Roberts moved to adjourn the meeting. Kenney seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Erica Ellison
https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/minutes-rnc-10282025.pdf
