Despite last minute pleas from opponents, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors voted on Tuesday, Jan. 15, to form a local development corporation to handle the sale or privatization of Maplewood Manor, the county-owned nursing home. Five of the board’s 23 members voted against the measure.
The vote, which came after months of public hearings and intense discussions over what several supervisors termed a losing situation, comes after years of the county losing millions of dollars at the nursing home, which some supervisors blame on untimely Medicaid reimbursements. Before the vote was cast, several members of the public attempted to convince the supervisors to reconsider, although the general consensus was that the privatization was a done deal.
Dorothy Tyler, whose mother is at Maplewood Manor and formed the group Citizens Advocate for Sustainable Maplewood Manor (CASMM) encouraged the supervisors to research other county nursing homes that have privatized and note their lack of success. In particular, she pointed Dutchess County, where there is now no nursing home at all because the private company that ran it went out of business.
“Think about the residents both now and in the future,” she pleaded. “Think about what will happen to people on Medicaid. We need assurance that our loved ones will be well taken care of.”
Before the supervisors voted, several made statements.
“My priority all along, and still is, is some financial planning and quality care for our seniors,” said Saratoga Springs Supervisor Joanne Yepsen. “The LDC option does not ensure either. I am in favor of making hard choices, change, transition and doing things better.”
Yepsen said public support will be critical for a successful outcome. She also said a public referendum should be held.
“I have yet to hear or meet with one individual who supports transfer to the LDC as the solution,” she continued. “So I don’t know whom you’re representing by voting in favor of this today. I have been shut out of meetings, lied to and efforts dismissed. We cannot serve the public well if we don’t all work together, entertain all good ideas and explore all options. Why can’t we learn from others’ mistakes?”
Ballston Supervisor Patti Southworth also had concerns about privatizing the nursing home.
“Quality of care for those that are most vulnerable in the community needs to be a top priority,” she said.
Clifton Park Supervisor Phil Barrett, however, said privatization remains the best choice.
“It’s truly a shame we are at this point,” he said. “You can bash LDCs all day long, but it doesn’t fix the problem. This system is broken.”
Barrett said Maplewood loses $25,000 a day because of the Medicaid reimbursement system.
“If they had the will to fix this, they would have done it by now, not just in Saratoga County, but throughout the state. … At this point, I know I and many other people would love to have any idea from anyone to fix this,” he continued. “I don’t give a damn who it is. We can’t fix this system and we’re just government handcuffed by the system. It brings us no joy to be here having to take this vote. As long as I’m in this seat I will promise to work hard to ensure everyone is treated fairly.”
Waterford Supervisor John Lawler agreed with Barrett.
“Let’s put the blame where it lies,” he said. “Let’s see the governor stand up and issue a bill to save institutions like Maplewood Manor. Unfortunately, the harsh reality we have today is people who are taking this action don’t see any other recourse.”
Southworth, Yepsen, Corinth Supervisor Dick Lucia, Milton Supervisor Dan Lewza and Moreau Supervisor Preston Jenkins all voted against formation of the LDC. Day Supervisor Mary Ann Johnson had previously been opposed, but changed her vote.
Lewza, who had been quiet about his reasons for voting against the sale, finally voiced his opinion after the vote was cast.
“I’m concerned about the $7 million that we already borrowed from the LDC,” he said, referring to revenue included in the 2013 budget. “If we don’t sell the facility, we will have to borrow another $7 million. That puts us in the hole for $14 million. I don’t like to take those chances. We should have a better feel for the future.”
After the vote, Tyler vowed to continue to fight the privatization, and said she has already started a petition to ask for a permissive referendum. She hopes to gather 12,000 signatures.
“This group has the potential to do amazing things,” she said.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Alan Grattidge said a public referendum cannot be forced and would now be a moot point.
“A permissive referendum was not written into the legislation for this vote,” he said. “The board felt that as elected officials we need to move forward towards the LDC. We did not want a long, drawn-out process of referendums and votes and whatnot.”