Mike's press release indicates that he is prepared to explore the consolidation, which would further streamline government while bolstering the county's efforts to provide health services to our citizens. This was obviously prompted by the announcement of the current Mental Health Director's intent to retire. For his years of service, we say thank you Edward Brown for years of quality service as we wish you well.
The release said: The Executives appointment provides for a unique opportunity to evaluate the coordination of multiple health service delivery systems. I think we'd all have to agree there.
As New York State government attempts to address its $10 billion budget gap, counties throughout the state are facing the potential for significant reductions in state aid and Medicaid reimbursements.
Executive Mike Hein said: “State and county governments are in a period of great transition and must continue to proactively identify efficiencies. In addition to improving service coordination, this action is expected to provide Ulster County taxpayers with estimated annualized savings of over $57,000 immediately. We look forward to working with the departments’ boards, the Health and Human Services Committee, the entire Legislature and all stakeholders to ensure that the highest quality service continues to be delivered”.
Walter Frey (R Saugerties) Chair of the Health Committee got a quote in the release stating that the Legislature is looking forward to working with the Executive exploring the merger. He added: “This demonstrates our commitment to streamlining and ensuring accountability to the taxpayers of Ulster County." Walter is right and I think I join my colleagues on the sixth floor when I say this sounds like a brilliant idea.
7 comments:
Great idea. Its a shame Hein did not tell anyone he was going public. Seems the security guard at mental health new before anyone else. Including Marshal Beckmann Hein's right hand man.
Why is this only saving $57,000. Brown was paid a lot more than that.
This savings should be a lot more. Not only are you eliminating a director, but there has got to be other jobs duplicated in the two departments that can be combined.
WOW this might appear to be a good move but the legislature should take a look first. Is Frey that far up Heins A##. Step back and look before you dive in
$57K would be the starting point. As this develops and the Administration studies the operations in both departments, they'll work both into one more efficient department.
It will take some time and energy, but the effort should be worth it to the taxpayers.
Everything will have to pass muster with the Legislature, but should have no problem if they do this correctly.
Kurt
I don't see big savings here. What I do see are new deputy director positions being created in both departments sucking up much of the savings.
If done correct they could save over 100k, but lets not put that in Heins office. What about combining DSS if the state allowed it we could save big$$$$ in this process. Now where talking
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