DOH could have presence at Public Health office

MONTICELLO –– During last Thursday’s Health and Human Services Committee meeting, several members of the public expressed concern over the relocation of the New York State Department of Health (DOH) Regional Office on North Street in Monticello.

County Manager Josh Potosek provided a brief update on the situation, explaining that County Attorney Michael McGuire has been in negotiations with DOH attorneys. They are awaiting some price per square foot figures to insert into a lease which would see 4-5 DOH employees having an on-site presence at the County’s Public Health office in Liberty.

Potosek, who has been in contact with DOH Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett, said he’s been told that the DOH would not be diminishing services, and that the presence at the County Public Health office will be for walk-ins.

“They're still going to be meeting all the required site visits, inspections … that's not going away,” said Potosek. “They do this upstate in numerous areas [where] they'll have one State DOH that services multiple counties.”

Earlier this year, the Democrat reported that the DOH was moving their Monticello office to Orange County, with the reason given being, “difficulty in finding adequate office space in the Monticello area.” The move was expected to happen this past spring. However, after advocacy from elected and local officials, as well as county residents, it was announced in February that there would be a stay through at least the summer.

DOH regional offices enforce regulations that protect the public’s health, safety and environment related to food, water and indoor air quality in restaurants, camps, pools, beaches, hotels, motels and fairgrounds for the 21 counties/cities in New York State that do not deliver that service. They also investigate concerns about hazardous or unhealthy conditions in and around homes and workplaces.

Properties redeemed

County Treasurer Nancy Buck recently announced the extension of the redemption date for properties delinquent on their 2019 and 2020 taxes to June 30, as a number of property owners had told the County that they were waiting for NYS Homeowner Assistance Fund monies.

On Thursday, Buck estimated that as a result of the extension, so far they’re up to half a million dollars collected, and just under 30 parcels that have been paid for through the program.

“Thirty homeowners in Sullivan County got to stay in their houses [and] we got paid,” said Deputy County Attorney Thomas Cawley. “A win-win.”