Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 12, 1990 TAG: 9005120361
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: MAURERTOWN LENGTH: Short
The seven residents of the county farm near Maurertown may not understand exactly why they might need to look for a new home soon.
They just know they don't want to.
A cost of $91,100 has been proposed to keep the 200-year-old farm operating for another year as it is. But the board estimates that it will cost several hundred thousand dollars to make needed repairs to the farm and install sprinkler and fire-warning systems, which are required to be in place by July 1991 to meet new state standards.
The county has considered closing the farm in each of the past two decades, most recently in the mid-1980s, when nearly 20 people lived there. Each time, there has been enough public outcry to prevent the action.
The county only recognizes five of the seven occupants as qualified residents and is now facing a tight budget as it tries to find money for school construction projects.
About 40 people who support the farm attended a public hearing held by the board on Tuesday, but at least two supervisors said they didn't think their constituents would support continued funding.
Those who stay at the farm must turn over a percentage of their Social Security benefits and, if they work, income to help defray costs.
- Associated Press
by CNB