MAYVILLE – One of the most heavily debated county government issues in recent memory could be coming to a conclusion tonight in Mayville. During it’s monthly voting session, the Chautauqua County Legislature is expected to act on the sale of the Chautauqua County Home to Altitude Health Services, Inc. – a Chicago based nursing home company – at a cost of $16.5 million.
The resolution to sell the home comes before lawmakers after two legislative committees approved it last week. On Wednesday the county’s Human Services Committee approved the resolution by a vote of 3 to 2, and on Thursday the Audit and Control Committee voted 5 to 1 in favor of the resolution.
For the past year-and-a-half, County Executive Greg Edwards has been pressing the legislature to look into selling the facility in Dunkirk, saying it has become a costly burden to county taxpayers. He says that by selling the home, not only would the county eliminate over $2.5 million in operating expenses from its annual budget, but putting it in a private owner’s hands would generate approximately $1 million in local property tax revenue.
Those opposed to the sale of the home say they are concerned with the quality of care the residents would receive if it were to fall into private ownership. In addition, some lawmakers – including Jamestown’s Lori Cornell and Robert Whitney – are especially critical of Altitude Health Services and its president William “Avi” Rothner. The two allege that Rothner is associated with other nursing facilities in the country that have received poor ratings because of the service they provide. However, during a county legislature meeting in October, Rothner refuted those claims and assured the legislature he would only work to improve the quality of care at the facility.
When the resolution comes before the full legislature tonight, it will need a total of 17 out of 25 votes to be approved. Tonight’s meeting begins at 6:30 and is open to the public.
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