BONNERS FERRY — A reduction in staff and an increase in rates are the recommendations to balance the budget at the Boundary County Restorium.

The Restorium is operating at a loss of $337,650 for the current fiscal year.

“Revenue doesn’t cover expenses of running the facility,” said Sandy Kennelly of Valley Vista, who conducted a financial review of the Restorium.

Charging Restorium residents more is one of the options Kennelly recommended. Compared to other facilities, the Restorium’s pricing is affordable, said Kennelly.

A small room at the Restorium is $1,351 per month and a large room is $1,752 per month. The going rate of other facilities is $2,300 to $3,300 per month.

Charging $2,500 per month would eliminate the annual loss and would not require staff reductions. Charging $2,200 per month would require a reduction in staffing and benefits.

“We are not going to drastically increase the rate on our current residents,” said Dan Dinning, Boundary County Commissioner.

Another option would create a tiered system based on level of care and room choice. Room options would be large, small, single occupancy or double occupancy. Level of care could be divided into three tiers based on care needs. Currently, residents pay the same rate no matter the level of care, said Dinning.

“You need to take steps to reduce expenses and increase revenue,” said Kennelly. “You’re offering better benefits than the private sector. That’s one expense that really jumps out.”

Reducing benefits may not be an option since the benefits package is through the county.

Currently, there is only enough revenue to staff the Restorium for 385 hours per week but staff work an average of 750 hours per week.

Kennelly recommended combining positions or reducing hours on certain positions to save money.

“Put together a three to five-year plan,” said Kennelly. “Doing it gradually is the way to go.”

Boundary County Commissioners will receive a final report with more detailed recommendations after Valley Vista staff consult with Restorium Manager Karlene Magee on certain variables.