The Lincoln County Commission approved a resolution to seek a potential buyer for Pinecrest Nursing Home in Merrill.
The vote was 14 to 8.
A deal to sell Pinecrest was in place earlier this year, but fell apart after a lawsuit brought by county officials.
Now, that lawsuit has been dropped and the original buyer is once again interested in the property.
Following this week’s vote, the Lincoln County Council’s Legislative Committee will be able to negotiate with anyone interested in purchasing the nursing home.
Some residents, like Eileen Gansley, expressed frustration.
“The discussion in the closed session focused on reintroducing previous asset purchase agreements that had already been approved. I find this effort shortsighted and ill-thought out,” Gansley said.
The resolution states the county does not have the funds to continue funding Pinecrest.
The commission had previously rejected holding a referendum on tax increases to achieve this.
There are currently no offers to acquire Pine Crest.
The resolution allows the committee to find future offers and reopen negotiations.
