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Sussex County Counsel: Homestead Nursing Home in Default on Sewer Payments; Commissioners Authorize Notice
Summary
County counsel told the board that the Homestead nursing home is in default on quarterly sewer payments and the commissioners approved sending a letter warning of potential termination of the county agreement if arrears are not cured; members of the public urged caution because many residents receive Medicaid.
County counsel informed the Board of County Commissioners on March 12 that the Homestead nursing home is in default under its county agreement for reimbursing the county for sewer use and asked for the board's approval to send a letter notifying the facility of the default and potential termination if it does not bring accounts current.
"They're quarterly store payments... The homestead is in default of that agreement," Speaker 14 said when briefing the board on the matter and asking for authorization to send a notice. The board moved, seconded and voted to authorize counsel to send the letter immediately.
Public commenters raised concern about the potential impact on residents. Sheldon Allen asked whether the Homestead is privately owned and noted many residents may be Medicaid recipients, warning that collections or termination could harm residents' access to care. Susan Bassett, who identified herself as having a mother at the Homestead, pressed the board for a plan in the event federal programs are cut: "Since Medicaid is handled through the county... what is your plan in the event that Medicaid is canceled?" (Speaker 11).
County counsel's motion was procedural — to send formal notice of default — and did not include immediate termination; counsel and the board said the letter is intended to notify the Homestead and allow the facility to cure arrears. The board's vote to authorize the notice was recorded during the county council portion of the meeting.
Next steps: county counsel will prepare and send the notice advising the Homestead it is in default and may be subject to termination of the agreement if it does not come current. The county did not provide further financial detail about the amount owed during the public meeting.
