Saint Joseph County Council decides to close Portage Manor, 5-4 vote

 

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The fate of Portage Manor is now officially decided. It will be closing its doors.

There were tears, people shaking their heads, and vocal disapproval from the public and some council members as they discussed their vote.

“Portage Manor is a needed resource in our community,” says Roy Saenz, a relative of a Portage Manor resident.

The split decision by the County Council comes after months of deliberation and discussion. Some expressed the need to continue the conversation and find a solution to help its residents.

Those that voted in favor of closing Portage Manor claim moving its clients to a new facility is in their best interest.

“These people are our responsibility, and we’re going to give them a much safer, better facility that they’re currently in,” says County Councilman Joe Thomas.

Most of the public and some councilmembers showed concern about the new facility in question, Valley View in Elkhart, which has had to pay four federal fines for citations in the last three years totaling more than $144,000 according to medicare.gov.

Portage Manor residents say the move would be tough.

“I wouldn’t have a way to get to Elkhart to here, basically I would lose my job if I had to go to Valley View,” says Portage Manor resident Mark Huffman.

For some, the move would be impossible due to insurance, leaving family members stuck with little to no options.

“They’re setting hopes high for individuals who are already challenged, they’re already losing their homes, and they’re financially challenged,” Saenz says. “Next steps, a lot of family members don’t know what to do.”

Some councilmembers say the decision is much-needed closure to the conversation that’s been back-and-forth for months.

“I’m just hopeful that people feel like a decision is made and they can finally know that Portage Manor is closed, and they can move on with their lives,” Councilwoman Amy Drake says.

Others say this is not the end of the fight.

“We’re gonna keep on fighting until something happens,” Huffman assures.

Councilmembers tell me there’s still lots of loose ends to tie up now that the final decision has been made. ABC57 will keep you updated on the next steps.