MONTICELLO — Sullivan County is in better fiscal shape than it ‘s been in years. That's according to independent auditors from Drescher & Malecki, a certified public accounting firm based out of Cheektowaga.

Auditors Matt Montalbo and Carl Windmer delivered the positive news during a meeting of the Management and Budget Committee last week.

According to Montalbo, Sullivan County ended 2016 with $9.4 million more in revenue than in 2015.

Two one-time payments in 2016 added millions to the county's revenue for that year. Refinancing the County's Tobacco Asset Securitization Corporation bonds netted $8.2 million. Another $2.5 million came from the state-mandated licensing fee for the Resorts World Catskills casino. Even without those revenues, the County Government's income still increased by $6 million, or about five percent.

“We are happy to say there was no need to borrow funds this past year,” Sullivan County Treasurer Nancy Buck remarked. “In fact, we paid off all our Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs) with the refinanced tobacco funds, and we are on track not to have to issue any Tax Anticipation Notes (TANs) this year.”

While expenses also rose by $11 million in 2016, the total $167 million in expenditures was outpaced by a total of $176 million in revenues, according to Montalbo's report.

He also noted that the County paid its entire retirement obligation in 2016, rather than amortizing it as in past years.

“These numbers are both gratifying and impressive,” noted County Manager Josh Potosek. “They demonstrate our ongoing conservative approach to budgeting, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used only where and when necessary.”

Legislators honor SLAC members

The Sullivan County Legislature honored two members of the Senior Legislative Action Committee (SLAC) on Thursday in recognition of their dedication and hard work on behalf of senior citizens throughout the county.

Priscilla Bassett and Star Hesse were both recognized with certificates of commendation.

“Let's look forward and let's think about what really matters.” said Bassett. “Social security, Medicare, Medicaid and guaranteeing the Older Americans Act Services.”

“I want to congratulate you both for being great advocates in Sullivan County - not just for older folks but for everyone,“ said Joseph Todora, Health and Family Services Commissioner.

Talking Healthcare

County officials took time last week during a meeting of the Health and Family Services Committee to discuss the American Healthcare Act (AHA) currently making its way through the Senate.

If passed, the bill could have major implications for residents in Sullivan County.

As it currently stands, the AHA would cut Medicaid by hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade. This includes cutting the Medicaid expansion given to some states under the Affordable Care Act.

“It's time for everybody to really pay attention,” said Joe Todora, Commissioner of Health and Family Services.

“When you cut services from anything that the county does, it affects the local economy,” said Todora, “For example, the President's budget has proposed cutting 15 percent from the food stamp program. To Sullivan County that means about a $3 million loss to our local economy.”

Todora said there are better ways to achieve medical cost reduction without sacrificing quality of care. “There are different ways to achieve cost containment, but restricting access to healthcare is probably not the best,” said Todora.

At least one legislator took issue with what kind of treatment our healthcare culture prioritizes. “Healthcare is way too dependent on the ‘magic pill' approach and not enough on wellness and nutrition,” said Legislator Alan Sorensen. “That's in part because pharmaceutical companies keep pushing their products.”

In June, Sullivan County joined with other counties in New York State on a class action lawsuit against opioid drug manufacturers, alleging overly aggressive drug marketing.

Mamakating Seeks Property

Officials from the Town of Mamakating are discussing plans to acquire a 43-acre piece of property from the county in order to connect all the hiking trails in the area.

“We have a goal of ecotourism,” said David Lybolt, liaison to the town for this project. The piece of property in question is located in both Summitville and Phillipsport, and includes the former D & H Canal bed

“The Town of Mamakating is in a better logistical position to manage, maintain, staff and promote these facilities,” said Lybolt.

He reported that the town plans to build a replica of a 40-foot canal boat to be placed in the dry dock.

“We have a vision for that property, and we'd like to ask the county to consider transfering that land to the town of Mamakating,” said Lybolt.