UPDATED Wednesday, September 16, 2009 --- 10:50 a.m.

JEFFERSON, Wis. (AP) -- A nursing home owned by Jefferson County could close because voters have rejected spending nearly $2 million annually during the next four years to keep it open.

The 120-bed Countryside Nursing Home has needed about $3.4 million in taxpayer money over the past five years to pay its bills. The county board earlier authorized a sale of the nursing home if the referendum failed.

As state officials worked to plug a $6.6 billion budget deficit, it cut aid to municipalities, forcing local governments to take a hard look at programs that aren't mandated by the state.

In Dunn County, voters approved increased funding for its nursing home. Two other referendums on the same issue will be held this fall in Green and Shawano counties.

There are 42 county-owned nursing homes in 36 Wisconsin counties.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

____________________________________________________

Posted Tuesday, September 15, 2009 --- 10:06 p.m.

Voters in Jefferson County turned down a referendum seeking permission for the county to exceed the tax levy limit by nearly $1.96 million.

A vote of approval would have allowed the board to borrow money over three years to help fund Countryside Home in Jefferson.

Our news partner, The Lake Mills Leader, reports Countryside Home has an annual operating cost of about $3 million -- roughly the deficit Jefferson County is facing for three years.

The final tally of the vote:
3,475 voted to allow the board to borrow money
4,774 were against it