Conflict Over Drug Rehabilitation Funding Proposal

A public hearing is set for 5 p.m. December 5 at the Broome County Office building to talk about accepting $2.9 million in funding from New York State to open a drug addiction treatment center at the former Broome Developmental Center in the Town of Dickinson as a conflict continues between the County Executive and Legislative Chairman over the process.

Executive Jason Garnar, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and New York Senator Fred Akshar are urging quick passage of the proposal to accept the funding to pay Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare to operate a Medically Supervised Withdrawal and Stabilization Treatment Center.

However, Legislator Daniel Reynolds said there has been no study or needs assessment conducted in connection with the project and has said the Legislature intends to hold a Committee-of-the-Whole meeting before considering the resolution.

Reynolds says he has informed the Senator and Assemblywoman that the Legislature would not take up the issue before the special meeting in January and then consider the resolution in February, barring any unforeseen problems.

Reynolds said he does not dispute the serious addiction problems being faced in the county but there needs to be a review of how the money would be budgeted.

The public hearing is to be held in the legislative chambers on the 6^th floor of the county office building.