Residents support Skåla nursing home in Molde amid financial crisis

In a recent debate, residents of Molde expressed overwhelming support for the continuation of the Skåla nursing home, a facility threatened with closure due to the municipality’s financial struggles. Gerda Tollaas and Kristian Fostervold, key advocates for the nursing home, celebrated the council’s decision to uphold its existence. A collaborative proposal from several political parties won the backing of 27 votes, despite Molde’s municipal council being predominantly controlled by the Right, Labour, Christian Democratic, and Liberal parties.

However, Molde municipality is facing a significant economic crisis, with expenditures exceeding revenues. Within the first four months of 2024, the projected deficit soared to approximately 73 million krone (about $6.8 million), escalating to 123.1 million krone by the eight-month mark. This financial strain threatens to deplete nearly all of the municipality’s reserve fund, intended for unexpected challenges.

The proposed closure of the Skåla nursing home was met with fierce public opposition. Initially decided in June, the council’s move faced backlash, prompting calls for a legal review and a reassessment of the decision. Deliberations will resume in a month as council members prepare to confront the tightening budget for 2025. Inger Cecilie Frisvoll, a member of the Christian Democratic Party, warned of further financial shortfalls and the potential of being placed on the state’s financial oversight list. She expressed concern over the council’s inability to make necessary difficult decisions amid the mounting fiscal pressures.