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Legislators press county on hotel/motel contracts, inspections and Code Blue sheltering
Summary
Committee members asked how Orange County ensures contracted hotels meet standards after complaints about conditions; county staff said OTDA requires inspections and verification of services, and explained Code Blue sheltering response during the recent cold snap.
Genesis Ramos told the committee she had "received complaints regarding a hotel/motel in the city of Newburgh" and asked how the county ensures conditions before placing people. Lacey Trimble, Commissioner of Social Services and Mental Health, said the county is "required by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) to inspect any hotel before someone is placed" and that inspections and vendor contracts (pest control, refuse, linens) are required per state guidelines.
Chairwoman Gabrielle Hill asked for verification of pest-control service dates and an itemized list of hotels the county contracts with; Trimble said OTDA requires proof of when services were conducted and that the county keeps lists distinguishing hotels used for shelter placement versus Code Blue placements. Committee member DeShanda Carter asked for clarification on Code Blue; Trimble explained that the state's Code Blue rule requires local districts to provide shelter and services when temperatures reach 32°F or below and noted the county approved multi-day sheltering during the recent cold stretch. The committee requested follow-up documentation.
