Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel delivers State of the County address (March 22, 2023)

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel said the county is “on the precipice of greatness” in his  State of the County address.

Wendel said the 2022 contribution to the general fund balance was $19.4 million, “This contribution is created in part by holding our teams to fiscally responsible budgets, an increase in the tax foreclosure auction, an overdue settlement of the tribal compact, as well as continued success in our sales tax revenue. With the work of our fiscal team and my guidance, we’ve been able to provide a tax rate reduction for the last two years, totaling 71-cents per thousand while maintaining the ability to provide contributions to the fund balance.”

Wendel said the fund balance contributions over the last three years have met and exceeded recommended levels under the five-year financial management plan.

He said there were record investments in the county in 2022, “The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency reported 50 approved projects with a combined total of $501 million of committed investments. The committed investments will create nearly 300 new jobs, retain an additional 774 existing jobs, and create construction projects and construction jobs throughout our county.”

Wendel also cited the restructuring of the Department of Mental Hygiene with the Department of Social Services, that included the separating of the Department of Health out as a separate department. He also recognized the Sheriff Department‘s new Unsolved Cases Teams that has resulted in new leads on homicides and missing persons cases.

Securing state and federal funds for the phase two expansion of the West Side South and Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District, was another highlight for Wendel, “I remain committed to improving our water and sewer infrastructure around Chautauqua Lake. And this phase two will divert an estimated 62 million gallons of wastewater a year to the proper wastewater treatment facilities.”

Wendel said he’s continuing to advocate for healthcare in the north county, including contacting Governor Kathy Hochul‘s office to push for funding to be released for the Brooks Memorial Hospital project.

He also said the county and Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency are working on creating a 150 acre shovel ready industrial site in the western part of the county.

Wendel cited record inflation, unfunded state mandates like Medical Assistance Treatment at the County Jail, as well as the possible clawback of over $4 million in Enhanced Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentages in the proposed state budget as challenges facing Chautauqua County.

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel’s State of the County slideshow – March 20, 2023

TCC CEO Mike Pease said through the 340b program, TCC has the ability to offer prescriptions at a greatly reduced price for patients, “And the second thing is, it offers another form of income for organizations like us as well as other health centers, hospitals systems, Ryan White clinics, most of us participate in this program. And we reinvest those dollars into programs like care coordination, case management, transportation, translation services – things we don’t traditionally get reimbursed for.”

Pease said while this is a federal program, former Governor Andrew Cuomo‘s 2021 budget introduce a measure to “carve out” the savings healthcare facilities receive and directed it back into the state coffers. That measure was put on hold due to the Pandemic, but is now part of Governor Kathy Hochul‘s budget and is set to go into effect April 1.

Pease said if this goes forward, it means a loss of over $2 million for TCC. According to a report by Buffalo Business First, Buffalo-based Evergreen Health could see $13 million in annual losses to its $117 million budget due to the changes. Business First reports that the change is expected to usher in a $250 million funding loss statewide, and hospitals across New York are predicting losses of $240 million. Pease said this also would affect UPMC Chautauqua and Brooks Memorial Hospital who have their own pharmacy programs.

Pease said TCC is part of the Save New York’s Safety Net Coalition, which has come up with an alternative proposal for the State Legislature, “On how we could continue to get the benefit of the program as health centers but also we would ensure that the program’s guidelines are being met from the standpoint of reinvesting those dollars into programs that are supportive, things like that. So, there is a way that this could benefit both the state, the community – which is the most important, as well as us as providers of those services.”

Pease added that both State Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Andy Goodell have been supportive of the continuance 340b program.

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel talks about a Chautauqua Lake proposal, efforts around Brooks Memorial Hospital, and more.

PJ Wendel

Norm Green addresses Chautauqua County Legislature (February 22, 2023)

The Chautauqua County Legislature is urging New York State to release funds to help get a new Brooks Memorial Hospital constructed.

The Legislature unanimously passed a motion requesting Governor Kathy Hochul release the $74 million toward the project.

Former Democratic Board of Election Commissioner and County Democratic Committee Chair Norm Green spoke at privilege of the floor, calling the project the biggest issue in Chautauqua County, “This isn’t a Dunkirk problem. It’s not a Fredonia problem. It’s not a Brocton problem. It’s not a Silver Creek problem. It goes way beyond those borders and only the County of Chautauqua can be the ones who assist. So I hope tonight, after you pass this motion, that the work won’t stop.”

Green brought up the idea that the County should even consider taking over the hospital.

Legislator Kevin Muldowney said he agreed with Green’s comments, which is a rare thing, and that it’s vital the legislature presents a united front in asking governor to release the funds issued in 2016, “It’s an economic development motivator. If we do want to recruit and continue to recruit businesses into Chautauqua County, we have to have a viable, state of the art hospital. And this is a regional issue. Stop thinking parochial and start thinking regional.”

Muldowney said access to a hospital is also important for north county residents from a safety standpoint.

County Executive PJ Wendel said in his monthly interview with WRFA that his biggest fear is that the state will release the funds for the construction of the hospital, and then the money will run out, “The model has some questions, as far as their sustainability financially. And my biggest concern is that they get the funding and the monies run out and the hospital isn’t finished. You know, prior to this large sum of money that Governor (Andrew) Cuomo first put aside from Brooks, and now Governor (Kathy) Hochul has it as well, they were supporting Brooks quite substantially, the Department of Health, with funding for two years prior to that.”
Wendel said the state required that the hospital have a sustainable financial model moving forward, which he doesn’t believe has been presented.

He said the blue ribbon task force he formed with Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas, State Senator George Borrello, Assemblyman Andy Goodell, and numerous health experts have worked with Brooks Hospital officials on moving forward with the proposed new hospital building.

Wendel added the hospital board is aware of the guidelines set by New York State and that they shoulder the responsibility in getting a completed plan to them.

The federal funding received for Phase 2 of the South & Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer Districts meant that some of the ARPA funds designated for it could be used for other projects.

Also, the County canceled two other ARPA funded projects involving purchasing deterra pouches and a paving project at the Emergency Services Center for a drive-through public health clinic.

Resolutions for new ARPA funding to be voted on tonight include $4 million for Phase 2 of Shovel Ready Sites. The resolution states that the $1.4 million in ARPA funding for Phase 1 and from other sources fell well short of what is necessary to cover the cost of a large site.

The Legislature also will consider using $880,000 to purchase a Landfill Trailer. The resolution states that using ARP funds will “reduce the financial burden on the Landfill Equipment Capital account, allowing for the purchase of additional machinery to support daily Landfill operations.”

Another $500,000 in ARP funds is proposed to be used to upgrade the Sherman Shop Fuel System. The resolution states the fuel system in Sherman is need of upgrades and below grade fuel tanks are nearing the end of their life expectancy

Other ARPA-funded resolutions include $210,000 for a Waterways Master Plan project to evaluate the Marden Cobb waterways as well as $100,000 to repair trail sections and bridges on the Overland Trail at Harris Hill.

The County Legislature also will vote to designate $20,000 in Occupancy Tax Program monies toward the installation of a drainage system on Wright Park Drive in Dunkirk.

Under motions for consideration, the Legislature will vote on calling on New York State to continue passing on Enhanced Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage Funds to counties, a motion urging New York State to approve a new Brooks Hospital, as well as a motion urging New York State to support natural gas.

The County Legislature meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers of the Gerace Office Building in Mayville. It is open to the public and also will be livestreamed on https://www.youtube.com/@ChautauquaCounty

Andy Goodell

State Assemblyman Andy Goodell wants more fiscal restraint in the state budget than what Governor Hochul has proposed.

Kathy Hochul presented her $277 billion spending plan Wednesday that increases spending by $5 billion over the current financial year’s budget.

Goodell said with Federal funds related to the Pandemic drying up, state lawmakers need to look at how to make New York more efficient and less expensive for residents. He said while there are not general tax increases in the proposed budget, he was disappointed with the carbon tax proposed that he says will affect everyone, “Because one of the largest generators of carbon emissions in New York State are the utility companies, including here in Jamestown. And so Jamestown is already paying over $2 million surcharge to help support clean energy and that’s coming right out the pocket of all Jamestown BPU customers. And her proposal would increase those expenses by an estimated billion dollars statewide.”

Goodell said he thought the increase to mental health services was a positive move, and hopes the increase in funding for housing mental health patients is approved.

He also was encouraged by Hochul’s budgetary plans for public safety, including gun violence, “In the category of addressing violence, she included $84 million for Youth Employment programs, which I think is good because the more youth are involved in positive activities, particularly ones that give them job experience, the less likely they’ll resort to gang violence.”

Goodell hopes that the 10% increase in school aid in addition to the full funding of Foundation Aid to school districts will result in tax decreases.

In terms of AIM, or the Aid and Incentives to municipalities program, Goodell thinks funding should increase given that it had been frozen or even decreased 12 years ago.

During the budget process over the next two months, Goodell will be advocating for funding for the 2-1-1 program and support for the Cornell Cooperative Extension program.

Goodell said he and State Senator George Borrello made specific requests for increases in funding for lake maintenance and for the Jefferson Project, “Which is an amazing project with both public and private funding to do a very, very detailed scientific analysis of harmful algal blooms. And that data would be helpful for every lake in the state.”

Goodell added he’s also hoping the $100 million budgeted for transformational hospital construction funds will include money for the new Brooks Memorial Hospital construction in Fredonia.

WRFA’s Julia Ciesla-Hanley spoke with Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel about extension of the South Chautauqua Lake Sewer District passed by the County Legislature, Amtrak, Brooks Memorial Hospital, and more.

PJ Wendel

State Senator George Borrello holds Town Hall in Dunkirk (June 14, 2022)

Concerns about the future of Brooks Memorial Hospital were a top issue from the over 40 people who turned out for a town hall meeting by State Senator George Borrello held Tuesday night in the city of Dunkirk.

Assemblyman Andy Goodell also attended the event at the Kosciuszko Polish Home Association.
The first question right out of the gate for Borrello was about his position on Brooks Hospital and what he’s doing to secure the new building.

The Senator said, as a business person, negotiating out in the open is never successful, “We have been, for a long time, months, if not longer been in direct discussions – myself and Andy Goodell with the Governor’s office and the Department of Health. It’s a very sensitive situation. There’s a lot of things going on. And I know there is this cry, ‘Let’s just release the money and move forward.’ It’s not that simple. And while I want to give you all more details, until I have something firm that I can say then it’s going to be difficult for me to speak openly because it is a sensitive situation.”

According to the Dunkirk Observer, New York State set aside $56 million in 2016 and then another $18 million in 2017 for a new state-of-the-art hospital. Delays in finding the right property by the Brooks-TLC administration and board, as well as COVID-19, have hampered the project that has led to recent fears of the current facility closing.

Borrello said he’s committed to a new hospital that can attract new talent, “Where people can be assured that whether you’re having a pain in your chest or someone is having a mental health crisis that there will be someone there. There will be someone there when you need that and not to drive to Buffalo, or Erie, or Jamestown. It has to be here. We’ve made that very clear, crystal clear.”

He added that he was in discussions as recently as Friday, June 10 with Governor Kathy Hochul‘s office on the topic. Borrello emphasized he’s committed to keeping a full service hospital in Northern Chautauqua County.

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is calling on the Federal government to reevaluate Provider Relief Funding for Hospitals as COVID-19 cases are on the rise.

Schumer, at a press conference in Wyoming County Sunday, said the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) needs to start to take into account the recent surges and new serious developments in COVID which have greatly impacted Upstate communities when determining the next round of the American Rescue Plan’s (ARP) pandemic Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payment calculations.

Schumer explained that HHS has not yet released the formula for how the next round of Provider Relief Fund payments will be calculated, but that currently it is marked as “General Distribution” meaning they won’t be taking into account COVID prevalence, but rather only weeks old data financial information that captures revenues lost and additional expenses due to COVID-19 from prior months. In addition, he said providers already had to submit their revenue and loss data for this grant round over a month ago, meaning it will likely not account for the reality facing many Western New York hospitals given the recent surge.

Schumer explained that he is also urging that HHS get the payments for these struggling hospitals, which has already been appropriated as a part of the American Rescue Plan, out the door as soon as possible to help cover the rising costs from the surge in cases.

He also urged HHS to specifically take into account the loss of elective surgery revenue at 32 upstate hospitals that had to suspend elective surgeries starting this week because a spike in COVID-19 hospital admissions has reduced their available bed capacity to 10% or less. Both UPMC Chautauqua and Brooks Memorial are among those 32 hospitals.

Senator Schumer has delivered over $13.5 billion in grant funding to New York hospitals and providers through the Provider Relief Fund. In Chautauqua County, since the beginning of the Pandemic, UPMC Chautauqua has received $17,618,300 in Provider Relief Funds with Brooks Memorial receiving $10,468,315.

Brian Durniok

UPMC Chautauqua in Jamestown and Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk are among over 30 hospitals in New York State required to restrict elective surgeries and procedures starting this Friday.

The increase in COVID-19 cases is causing the strain on hospital facilities.

UPMC Chautauqua President Brian Durniok said under the executive order signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, if 90% of staffed beds are full then facilities are asked to limit elective procedures and surgeries for a two-week time period, “And then they reassess it each week to look at what our occupancy is. And then when that occupancy would drop below 90% then those non-essential elective surgeries would be restored. And so that’s what the process is that we’re operating under.”

Durniok said surgeries for cancer, heart issues, gall bladder removal, and the like will still continue, “An example of something that would be paused, for instance, might be an elective joint replacement. If a patient had decided, been thinking the last couple of years, about having their knee replaced and they’ve been able to manage. And they’ve been managing the last couple of years, that would be the type of thing that could be potentially deferred for two weeks.”

Durniok said the increase in COVID patients is a challenge because they tend to have a longer length of hospital stay than an average patient, “We’re also seeing some challenges where some of the local nursing homes also have some resource issues so our ability to, in some cases, discharge patients back to them as quickly as we want is also contributing to some of the occupancy capacity issues that we’re dealing with.”

Durniok encouraged people to get their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters and to keep doing the things that worked in the early days of the Pandemic such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing your hands.