MONTICELLO – Attorney Michael Sussman gave an update on Friday at the Government Center in Monticello on the ongoing lawsuit he filed on behalf of affected families. The litigation challenges the center’s closure, which is currently on hold as the case moves forward through the court.
“Every resident, every staff member needs to be told there is no imperative for them to be leaving, being pushed out. None of that.”
The county filed a motion to dismiss.
“I won’t characterize the motion. It’s a motion,m” he said sarcastically. “The state says they want to file a motion to dismiss. The judge is giving them time to file their motions and for me to respond. Those papers are all due on October 19th. So this stay will be in effect through that date, and however long it takes the judge to make a decision on those motions.”
Family Council President Lou Setren warned that cuts from the “Big Beautiful Bill” threaten the care center’s future. He says the squeeze comes at the worst possible time for Sullivan County, which is already facing a multi-million-dollar loss in sales tax revenue in 2025.
“Quite frankly, it will exacerbate the problems not only in operating the care center, but in operating our local hospital, which is already a troubled facility.”
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