LIBERTY – The State Health Department will be leasing a portion of the Sullivan County Public Health building in Liberty.
The agreement follows the state’s announced move of the Monticello office to Middletown.
Sullivan lawmakers balked at the decision to relocate, maintaining it would be a detriment to the services offered to county residents.
As a result of negotiations, the state agreement to keep a Sullivan County office in Liberty.
“This ensures that the state retains a base of operations for the important work they do in Sullivan County,” said Legislature Chairman Rob Doherty. “Our own Public Health officials will literally have next-door access to New York State Department of Health employees, and vice-versa.”
“Having an office within the Sullivan County Health Department will strengthen local collaboration and our ability to serve the local community, as we always have,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said. “I thank the County Legislature, the County Manager, the Social Services Commissioner and the County Attorney for working with us to identify the space and ensure a smooth transition to Liberty.”
Approximately 500 square feet of Sullivan County Public Health’s offices, known as the Gladys Olmsted Building, in Liberty will be utilized by the state starting October 1, mainly to house four employees and their equipment and supplies. As with the former Monticello office, it will be used as a base for State Health Department inspections and testing more so than a public walk-in office.
Details, including the term of the lease and the monthly price, are currently being finalized.
