Supervisors Set To Support UHS Expansion Process - Block Grant Public Hearing Scheduled July 23

UHS President and CEO Rolland "Boomer" Bojo Jr. presenting plans for a significant $80.6 million expansion project at the County board meeting on June 25.

DELHI - Delaware County Supervisors formed the Delaware County Capital Resource Corporation (CRC) on June 25 with the intent of offering tax-exempt loans to UHS Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton. The local development corporation was formed under New York State Not-For-Profit Corporation Law and will be overseen by the county Industrial Development Agency (IDA).

UHS plans to expand services by constructing a new four-story hospital wing. The project aims to create a "medical neighborhood," essentially simplifying medical needs by offering a wide range of services in one building. UHS President and CEO Rolland "Boomer" Bojo Jr. said the undertaking is "really going to change the health outcome of this county."

The proposed project is estimated to cost approximately $80.6 million. The hospital will finance $20 million through its reserve funds and fundraising efforts, while the remaining $60 million will be secured through bond issuance.

The CRC will help secure funding for the project, with loans through Bank of America, explained Economic Development Director Glenn Nealis, "By utilizing the CRC as a pass through, the interest on the bond is tax-exempt." Nealis assures that no county funds will be used for the project, and the municipality is not liable for any costs associated with it. Nealis anticipates that UHS will save between $20 million and $30 million by using the CRC. The efforts will ensure healthcare remains affordable, he noted.

Construction by LeChase is expected to begin in September, with the final phase scheduled for completion in the fall of 2027.

Middletown Supervisor Glen Faulkner acknowledged Bojo for his work in the medical field. Other institutions have leaned on him, he said, for operational guidance and advice.

Supervisors are expected to approve the loan at the next regular meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, at 1 p.m.

In another discussion, a public hearing was scheduled for the next regular meeting at 1 p.m. to hear comments or concerns regarding a Community Development Block Grant application proposal. The program is administered by the New York State Office of Community Renewal, which utilizes funding opportunities provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program offers grant opportunities for housing and economic development projects. Delaware County is seeking $300,000 to establish a microenterprise program. If developed, the program would award funds to eligible individuals or business owners in the form of small matching grants.

In other business

The county received additional State aid for alcohol and drug abuse services totaling $28,111.

Supervisors dedicated $147,217 for the summer youth employment program, which helps municipalities cover the costs of hiring additional summer staff.  The county distributed $72,960 of these funds. The program is 100% reimbursed through State and Federal aid.

Another State-reimbursable program is set to assist up to 20 households or individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as up to 30 at-risk individuals. Supervisors allocated $121,902 for the program.

The county received $25,000 through the Adoption and Legal Guardianship Incentive Payment Program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families. Funds will be used to promote and increase permanent, stable placements for youth.

Supervisors will sell the former Department of Public Works building and parking lot located on Page Avenue in Delhi through a public auction.

A software package from CIVICPLUS was purchased for $14,000. Colchester Supervisor and County Budget Director Arthur Merrill stated that the software will enhance the efficiency of FOIL requests. The county is on track to receive over 500 FOIL requests in 2025, he noted.

Over $101,000 was paid for inpatient psychiatric hospital costs of inmates deemed incapacitated to the extent that they could not meaningfully participate in their criminal defense proceedings.

Supervisors paid monthly bills amounting to $1,456,205.

Roxbury Supervisor Allen Hinkley and Masonville Supervisor Betty Scott were absent.