The IL State Law Relating to the Sale of Public Nursing Homes Built with a Referendum
In 1970, Stephenson County voters approved a referendum to construct the current Walnut Acres building. Twenty-eight years later, in 1998, a second referendum passed to establish a $500,000 annual tax levy to support the facility. That amount—roughly $25 per tax-paying household—has remained unchanged for 26 years.
It's our understanding Walnut Acres (officially known as the Stephenson County Nursing Home) was established and supported through these voter-approved measures. If the County proceeds with a sale, it could face an expensive lawsuit to resolve whether it has the legal right to do so without voter input.
We believe the responsible and democratic path forward is to put the question directly to the public. A new referendum should be placed on the ballot to ask: do the people of Stephenson County still want to maintain a public nursing home?
That’s the right way to do this.
FriendsofWalnutAcres Through the Lens: A Photo Tour
Minutes from December 10, 1969 County Board meeting approving bids for the new building.
Minutes from January 13, 1970 County Board meeting voting to hold the referendum
Notice of the Special Election to be held March 17, 1970.
Newspaper clippings showing the referendum passed. Published in the Freeport Journal Standard.
FOIA to Stephenson County Clerk for results of the Special Election in 1970