(Cass Co.) The lease agreement for the old Willow Heights residential facility was the main topic of discussion at the Cass County Board of Supervisors meeting again this morning.
The board room was once again packed full of citizens concerned about the facility being used for men’s residential substance use disorder treatment.
Board Chair Steve Baier started off by saying the Board of Supervisors, even though they are the landlord of the facility, is not empowered to make the rules to how it is governed. He said that is set by Iowa Code and by licensing requirements if it’s used as a residential treatment facility.
Billie Butler, Director of Zion Integrated Behavioral Health Services in Atlantic, explained that they have had a men’s residential substance use disorder treatment facility in Clarinda for many years in the old Clarinda mental health facility and it’s owned by the Department of Corrections. She said they typically have a three year lease, but they were asked to move to a one year lease.
Butler addressed the concerns about individuals coming and going from the facility.
It was noted that all of these individuals are vetted and are not considered a danger to the public.
If someone were to leave without authorization, law enforcement in both Cass County and the individual’s home location would be contacted.
Another issue brought forth was the condition of the building. The Supervisors dismissed rumors that the facility was in disrepair, stating that the building has been maintained since it was vacated in 2021. The roof damage was caused by nature, and the county had already planned to repair it before any interest was expressed in leasing the property. Any future maintenance would be the responsibility of the tenant.
The county-owned residential building, located in a rural area south of Atlantic, has been closed since 2021. The building was listed for sale at the same time as the county farmland auction but did not sell. Since the closure, the county has been searching for a tenant. Board Chair Steve Baier addressed comments about the board being more transparent regarding the lease agreement.
Zion is looking a lease that would possibly start December 1st. Note, the lease agreement has not been finalized or signed at this time. Zion would have to do some work to the building and then they could start the treatment program sometime in early 2026.
