MANSFIELD — Dayspring Assisted Living and Care Facility will have a renewal of its 0.8 mil tax levy renewal on the May 8 ballot.
Michelle Swank, executive director of the assisted living and care facility, presented a proposal about the levy renewal to the Richland County Commissioners on Tuesday. The levy helps provide 71 percent of Dayspring’s operating budget, she said. The proposal was unanimously approved.
The majority of the remaining income is collected from board and care fees paid by Dayspring residents. In 2017, the facility earned $137,872.97 of remaining income after $2,009,368 of facility expenses.
“Without the levy, the nearly 173-year-old facility will close, leaving all of its residents to find a new home,” Swank said. “Considering most are too young to qualify for other facilities, or do not meet the level of care a nursing home, their future would be uncertain.”
Swank added residents’ ages range from 25 to 94-years-old; 58 percent of residents are under the age of 65. All residents come from Richland County communities including Lexington, Lucas, Mansfield, Ontario, Shelby, Madison, Bellville and Shiloh. All residents have some form of a disability and have limited to no income.
Dayspring is a non-profit, residential facility owned and operated by the county for 173 years. The 226-acre facility is located about six miles north of Mansfield (3220 Oliversburg Road)
“These people would truly have nowhere to go without Dayspring,” Swank said, “which is why this levy is so important.”
Throughout the presentation, Swank showed commissioners pictures of Dayspring and its residents.
“When I talk to members of our community, I hear how they came out to Dayspring as kids,” she said. “They have fond memories of those times.”
After the presentation, each commissioner shared their respective memories of the facility.
Darrell Banks said he remembered going there in the 1960’s with his best friend.
“My best friend’s parents managed it. I have always been impressed with the place, and I see the facility’s improving a little bit at a time,” he said.
The commissioners also remembered a time when they went and served hot dogs with state representative, Mark Romanchuck.
“Our resident population is made up of residents — white- and blue-collar and even a former elected official. The reality is we never know when we’ll need these services. It may be me,” Swank said. “It may be you or your child. That is why we need this tax levy renewal.”
