Commissioners discuss Genesis Healthcare arrears and recent Chapter 11 notice; president signs follow‑up letter

Hampshire County commissioners on July 15 discussed communications with nursing‑home operator Genesis Healthcare LLC after receiving a written notice and press reports that the company filed for Chapter 11 in Texas. County staff said Genesis is in arrears to the county for approximately $140,000 for specified months.

President Englanger said the matter is ongoing business, and although it was not on the meeting agenda, the commission would continue timely communication. Englanger signed a drafted letter on letterhead during the meeting and asked Clerk Scribe to forward it to the appropriate receivers and to place the item on a future agenda for public update.

Commissioner Mance offered to reach out directly to Genesis to gather information and to report back to the commission, including whether counsel would be needed; commissioners agreed that speed was important. “These are time seems to be of the essence here. Things are moving rather quickly, and I don't think we wanna get behind,” Commissioner Brill said.

Commissioners noted limitations on what could be discussed publicly because of bankruptcy and possible confidentiality concerns, and staff flagged that some matters may require executive‑session treatment for disposition of real property or privileged discussions. No formal action to retain counsel was taken at the meeting; the commission requested additional information and directed staff to continue outreach and to bring more complete information to a future meeting.