Supervisors Pass Health-Related Resolutions

Grants, Bids, & Budget Amendments

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELHI - Delaware County Supervisors passed two health-related resolutions at the regular meeting on Mar. 27.

Supervisors were unanimous in their support of reforms to behavioral health within the justice system introduced by the State Legislature. Walton Supervisor Joseph Cetta said the reform seeks to adjust language in a section of legislation that deals with mentally ill or developmentally disabled defendants' capacity to understand the court system. If deemed by the court, the county is required to pay for mental health services until the defendant can stand trial. The provision is meant to help a defendant become familiar with the courtroom procedures so they can then participate in their trial.

The previous language is unclear, explained Cetta, and has led to the court using the provision to help defendants seek mental health treatment. Counties spend roughly $1,300 per day per person until they stand trial, he said. According to Cetta, New York is the only state that does not share the cost of this service with the county.

The resolution states that there have been instances where defendants are kept in rehabilitation for three to ten years. Support of one individual could cost up to $400,000 annually, according to the resolution.

The reform will establish specific criteria for examiners put on such cases and limit the time defendants are ordered to services, the resolution states. Proposed adjustments also establish transfer protocol for those defendants deemed unable to be restored and will be transferred to another facility.

In another discussion, supervisors passed a resolution in celebration of National Public Health Week from April 1 until April 7. National Public Health Week focuses on civic engagement, healthy neighborhoods, climate change, new tools and innovation, reproductive health, emergency preparedness, and the future of public health.

The resolution states that "rural communities face a range of health disparities, from higher burdens of chronic disease to limited access to primary care and prevention services. Rural residents face social determinants such as poverty, transportation barriers, and lack of higher-paying jobs, which negatively impact health. We must continue to remove barriers and utilize new technology and approaches to improving health." Supervisors call on planners, education officials, public, private, community agencies, and the local community at large to collaborate with the county to break down health barriers and prevent problems. "It involves making sure every person has access to the support and care they need for a healthier life," the resolution states.

Masonville Supervisor Betty Scott, Andes Supervisor Wayland Gladstone, and Kortright Supervisor George Hanz were absent.

In other business:

Supervisors accepted two grants for the Sheriff's Office. The department received $12,218 from participating in the Statewide Police Traffic Services Program which seeks to increase seat belt usage and reduce dangerous driving. The department also received a 50% reimbursement of $11,140 from the federal government for the purchase of bulletproof vests.

Supervisors designated $121,902 to the Rental Supplement Program to be administered by the Department of Social Services. Supervisors expect the program to assist up to 20 households or individuals experiencing homelessness and up to 30 who are at risk of homelessness. The program is 100% reimbursable by the State.

Supervisors made a budget amendment of $1,366,332 to cover costs of a demolition invoice as a part of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Buyout program. The county entered into the buyout program in 2016 and was awarded $18,915,104 to purchase 129 homes and elevate 7 homes with significant flood damage. The county is required to demolish the 129 homes which is entirely reimbursable through the program.

Supervisors made a budget amendment totaling $788,182 to cover premiums on staff liability insurance claims.

Supervisors allocated an additional $55,762 for the purchase of two tandem axle dump trucks equipped with snow removal gear. Each truck was originally budgeted for roughly $300,000.

Tioga Construction Co. Inc. was awarded a bid of $2,558,540 to replace the culvert over Cold Spring Creek Bridge on Dug Road in Deposit. Amstar of Western New York was awarded a $419,000 bid for bridge structural steel preservation work over East Brook on Nichols Road in Walton and over Morton Brook on Morton Hill Road in Colchester. The projects are 95% reimbursable through the Bridge NY program.

Supervisors were awarded a grant of $18,159 from the State to cover costs associated with absentee ballot postage for 2023. Remaining funds of $1,598 for the postage grant were reallocated to the 2024 budget.

The Department of Social Services petty cash fund was increased from $250 to $500. According to Hamden Supervisor Wayne Marshfield, the fund had not been adjusted in over 40 years.

Supervisors paid bills totaling $2,446,435.58.

The next Delaware County Supervisors meeting is scheduled Apr. 10 at 1 p.m.