Adult Care Center at Sunset Lake closure
Summary
Speakers slammed the county over the nursing home closure — residents being transferred far away, belongings packed in garbage bags, and alleged pressure on families. Chairwoman Rajsz assured families there's no deadline to place a loved one, and the committee approved paying the facility's 2025 school taxes.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 15
- Last 30 days
- 2
Rising — discussed at 4 meetings since Sep 17, 2026, up from 3 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
Administrative costs at the Care Center reportedly jumped from $1.2 million in 2015 to $3.37 million in 2024, and the county must pay the 2025 school tax bill.
Families get clarity that no placement deadline exists, and former county workers may get a chance to be retained for building cleaning.
Residents being transferred to distant facilities and their families, plus laid-off county cleaning workers, say they're bearing the brunt.
Mentions & discussions (13)
Public Safety and Law Enforcement Committee — November 5, 2026
Residents tied the Kingston nursing home situation to Sullivan County's adult care center closure, demanding accountability and open decision-making rather than 'back room' actions.
Public Works Committee — October 8, 2026
A resident sharply criticized last week's 54-vote decision (October 1 special meeting) to close the county nursing home, citing residents transferred far away and two who died shortly after transfers.
Health & Human Services — October 1, 2026
The fight over closing the county's adult care center dominated public comment. Ken Walter argued Judge Bryant's 12-page ruling found the closure was started in secret in violation of the Open Meetings Law, that the injunction remains in place, and that September 25's resolution can't retroactively fix it. Martha Scoppa, a six-year advocate for the center's residents and staff, accused legislators of callousness.
County Legislature — October 1, 2026
The Legislature voted 5-4 to close the county's 93-bed nursing home and seek a private operator through an RFP. Supporters say the county can no longer afford the roughly $2 million annual subsidy and staffing crisis; opponents warn displaced residents, lost beds, and the surrender of the certificate of need could leave a healthcare desert. Ongoing litigation over the March closure vote remains unresolved, with a court ruling expected around October 19.
Sullivan Legislature Votes to Close Adult Care Center Despite Court Challenge
Sullivan Legislature Votes to Close Adult Care Center Despite Court Challenge Radio Catskill
Executive Committee — September 17, 2026
Speakers slammed the county over the nursing home closure — residents being transferred far away, belongings packed in garbage bags, and alleged pressure on families. Chairwoman Rajsz assured families there's no deadline to place a loved one, and the committee approved paying the facility's 2025 school taxes.
County Legislature — September 17, 2026
The county's nursing home closure dominated public comment, with former legislator Cindy Kurpil Geiger, family council president Lou Setren, and others urging reversal. A commenter raised a reported Ulster County court order temporarily blocking the closure; legislators declined to comment citing litigation.
Health & Human Services — September 10, 2026
Residents and advocates sharply criticized the nursing home closure, saying transfers are rushed, families feel pressured, and the county should pursue millions allegedly owed by its former operator. The county reports the census is down to 51.
Public Safety and Law Enforcement Committee — September 3, 2026
Residents sharply criticized the county's handling of the nursing home closure, citing poor communication, a disputed March 26 vote, traumatized residents, and transfers to a one-star out-of-county facility. Legislator Catherine Scott shared her mother's death after negligent care there and pledged the county will do better.
Sullivan County announces Adult Care Center closure
Sullivan County announces Adult Care Center closure The River Reporter
Executive Committee — August 20, 2026
Residents learned the county plans to close the Sullivan County Adult Care Center, and they showed up angry. Speakers demanded to know who voted for closure, why it happened in executive session, and where the 83-plus residents and 86 employees will go. Chair Rajsz answered questions, citing $22.8 million in covered shortfalls and about $10 million in needed repairs.
Sullivan County announces impending closure of Adult Care Center
Sullivan County announces impending closure of Adult Care Center The River Reporter
Health & Human Services — May 14, 2026
The county care center relies heavily on per-diem agency staff, creating continuity-of-care problems. A retired county employee suggested wage incentives for staff who forgo benefits, potentially funded from health-benefit savings.
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