The Butler County commissioners, acting in their additional capacity as the governing board for Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, were right in deciding that anyone not associated with the nursing home must get approval for use of the facility's grounds.

It is only proper that workers at the home as well as county officials know in advance that something is planned for the grounds and what that activity will be.

It's also necessary from the vantage point of the more fragile individuals who reside at the facility. There must be no opportunity for them to become confused or alarmed by activities that they might not understand, due to their frail condition.

Any activity not directly associated with the home should be evaluated, prior to approval being given, to ensure that the activity is consistent with the mission of the Sunnyview property.

The county has a similar policy in effect regarding Diamond Park. Such a policy in regard to Sunnyview should have been implemented long ago also.

The concern behind the new policy is by no means superfluous.

County solicitor Julie Graham said the Sunnyview grounds use policy is not a direct outgrowth of a rally held March 29 by people advocating that the county not sell the nursing home. Even if that rally was the basis for the new policy, the Sunnyview board/commissioners would not merit criticism for last Thursday's policy action.

The policy makes sense from the point of view of residents and Sunnyview staff members as well as the county officials who are responsible for ensuring that the home's operation remains as smooth, efficient and dedicated to high-quality patient care as possible.

No doubt family members of those living at Sunnyview share that same concern for their loved ones' well-being.

It's unfortunate that the county is engaged in a lingering contract dispute with unionized Sunnyview employees a dispute that has brought forth a debate over the possible sale of the home.

It is hoped that resolution of that dispute will happen soon a settlement that the employees can live with, but also one that will take into account the financial realities of the county budget and the facility's impact on that budget.

Regardless, proper care of Sunnyview residents and acting in their best interests is, and must remain, the top priority.

This new policy regarding the Sunnyview property does that and deserves no criticism or second-guessing.