×

Commissioners OK money for ailing businesses

Discuss funding to move patients from nursing home

A proposal to help businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic drew pushback from people who want to know why Lycoming County commissioners haven’t used money to move residents from a nursing home.

The request by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce for $150,000 was approved by commissioners at their Tuesday meeting, but not before a long discussion on how the county spends money.

The money requested by the chamber for the Lycoming County Small Business Relief Fund will be used by small businesses forced to close or cut back operations in recent months, according to chamber President Jason Fink.

It amounts to $100,000 in grant money and $50,000 in loans.

Another $50,000 in matching funds from the chamber will be part of the loan package.

The Center for Independent Living North Central Pennsylvania had asked commissioners for $250,000 to offset care for patients moved from ManorCare Jersey Shore to a hotel with the agency later reimbursing the county that money. Other funding is to come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for hotel costs and meals and money from Liberty Group to cover any shortfall to ensure the patient transfer plan.

Commissioners have not taken any action on that funding request, but assured Center for Independent Living officials Tuesday that the matter will be taken up at their meeting next week.

Commissioners commented once again on ManorCare, where personnel and residents have been infected by coronavirus, including a number of people who have died from the pandemic.

Commissioner Scott Metzger reiterated comments he’s made of having received no communication from any nursing home residents or their relatives looking to move them from the facility. He noted that state officials failed in their responsibility to intervene in the situation at the nursing home.

“We have seen a turn-around up there,” he said. “Things have gotten drastically better. I don’t want to see anyone die.”

Metzger said commissioners are concerned with the issue.

“We do have a heart, but also a responsibility within our authority. What is a commissioner’s role?” he said.

Jody Baney, director of programs, Center for Independent Living, said what has happened at ManorCare is part of a national issue.

“We can’t get it (funding) from the state or federal level because they are sitting on the money,” she said. “Their lives matter.”

Commissioner Tony Mussare said, “What do you want us to do? How much money is enough?”

Mussare asked if it was the county’s role to step into the situation.

Answering his own question, he said, “I don’t know. I don’t think so.”

Center for Independent Living North Central Pennsylvania CEO Misty Dion said the request is for the county’s portion of Act 13 natural gas dollars.

“We wouldn’t use $250,000 unless it’s needed,” she said. “We plan to reimburse the county. We just need assistance for care.”

Commissioners were asked how they could approve spending $10,000 last week for chairs and tables at the White Deer Golf Course and no money for ManorCare.

Mussare said money for the golf course will come from the legacy fund of Act 13 dollars which can only be spent on recreational purposes.

“We can’t use it for anything else,” he said.

Commissioner Rick Mirabito said the county is not being asked to bail out ManorCare.

“The proposal is to allow people to exercise their right to get care outside of a nursing home,” he said.

Jay Harner, a Center for Independent Living employee, pleaded with commissioners to help ManorCare residents.

“They need help,” Gretchen Kennedy, of Williamsport, said. “Don’t tell me you will wait for the feds because you might wait till hell freezes over.”

Mirabito said the issue is not about helping businesses while ignoring the plight of other people.

“This organization (Center for Independent Living) came to us in April,” he said. “On June 11, they asked for a public meeting. We have treated this situation differently, and I don’t understand why.”

Mirabito said many questions have been asked about the ManorCare funding request but none about the businesses and their needs.

“There shouldn’t be one standard for the business community and another for this request,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be one or the other. I hope we can use this today to move forward and find it in our heart to move people from a facility to get care.”

Fink said the pandemic came at a time when many businesses could ill afford to shut down including contractors and those dependent upon spring activities and recreation.

“Unfortunately, we come to you,” he told commissioners. “There is not a lot for small business to tap into. It’s overwhelming. They didn’t expect to deal with this. They just need help.”

Mussare noted that small business people put up their life savings to start companies.

“By no fault of their own, they were asked to close them,” he said.

Metzger said it is vital for businesses to reopen across the county.

“It helps everybody in the community,” he said. “So the way I look at it is if we can help businesses and keep people employed, it helps all of us.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today