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Commissioners say they are pursuing options to reopen Hyder as staffing and funding uncertainties continue
Summary
County leaders reported ongoing outreach to potential operators and funders to reopen Hyder, saying some prospects may be capable while others are not; officials emphasized the effort should not require county funds and described staff transitions and ICE reimbursement shortfalls.
Strafford County Commissioners told residents they are actively pursuing options to reopen Hyder after the facility’s closure and said negotiations and outreach to potential operators are ongoing. Commissioners said some interested parties have capacity to manage Hyder while others do not, and they emphasized that reopening should not require county financial support.
The chair, speaking about ongoing outreach, said: "We haven't given up on it. The County Commissioners haven't given up on it." County leaders described conversations with city officials to expedite permitting for a new warming center and noted the county has been asking multiple parties — including hospitals and hospice providers — whether they can step in.
Officials described workforce moves to absorb some Hyder personnel: the county has about 75 full-time-equivalent nurse aides and has instituted a hiring freeze for aides since Jan. 1 to allow reassignment; some registered nurses have accepted roles at the house of correction or at hospice providers. County staff said several employees had found other jobs and others had accepted offers from local hospices. The chair added that a small number of employees plan to retire.
County administrators also reported a reimbursement shortfall tied to ICE contracts, saying the county was "about $100,000 behind" in March; officials said they have been working to reach federal decision-makers to resolve that lag. Commissioners stressed they had contractual and fiscal responsibilities and that reopening discussions are continuing with potential partners who could operate Hyder without requiring county appropriations.
Commissioners said they remained optimistic and will pursue negotiations and outreach; the board subsequently moved to non-public session for personnel and contract negotiations.
