Geer Needs Our Help - UPDATED!

UPDATE:

On 4/24/2018, the Town of Canaan approved Geer's appeal.  This means that Beckley House, Beckley Expansion, the Skilled Nursing Facility, and the Assisted Living Facility will all remain tax exempt.  

Thank you all for adding your names to the petition in support of Geer's appeal.

***************************************************************************************************

As you are no doubt aware, Connecticut is in a financial crisis.  Unfortunately, the state's budget woes have had significant impact on the towns and cities as well.  One of the consequences of the state's significant deficit and the resulting loss of funds to municipalities is the loss of tax abatement for many of the towns in which our facilities are located.  

Recently, Geer Village was informed that the town is no longer going to recognize its not-for-profit status: 

Without warning or reason, the North Canaan Assessor’s Office is refusing to recognize Geer’s lawful tax-exempt status, which the Town appropriately recognized for the past 80 years. As a result, Geer could be facing an increase of over $500,000 per year in taxes. This is in addition to the $33,000 in taxes per year that we already pay to the Town for some taxable property, unrelated to our tax-exempt status.

 As you can imagine, the huge increase in taxes will have a dramatic impact on the services Geer can provide.  In addition to their ownership of Beckley House and Beckley Expansion (HUD 202 PRAC facilities managed by EHM) Geer also operates a skilled nursing facility, a memory care facility, adult daycare, an assisted living facility, and a 55-and-over residential facility.  Geer provides funding for the Dial-a-Ride facility in the area.  Geer is also a significant employer for the local area.  All of these vital elements will be negatively impacted.  

It is imperative that vital services continue for our vulnerable senior population.  Geer has asked for help in ensuring that the Town continues to treat Geer appropriately based on its not-for-profit status.  

If you would like to help, or to learn more, please click this link, and sign the petition if you are so moved.

Thank you.