AUBURN - The Community Services Board that oversees Cayuga County mental health services began 2008 much the same as it left 2007 - with controversy.
“This board has been ignored and maligned,” outgoing CSB member Paul Vitale said in a parting statement at the board's first meeting of the year Thursday. Vitale added he didn't believe the county was out to cause problems for the CSB, but said the government wasn't working harmoniously with the board either.
The county Legislature decided to move Community Mental Health Center financial personnel from the mental health administrative office on North Street to the County Office Building downtown last year.
Legislators also created two separate titles for David Blair as director of mental health services and the CSB to weaken the board's power, Vitale said.
Power to award contracts was diverted from Blair to the county.
More recently, the Legislature ignored a recommended appointment from the CSB nominating committee.
Vitale suggested these developments should be sorted out by an attorney, a resolution that drew mixed reactions from sitting members of the CSB.
The county and board have clashed over the rights and responsibilities of the CSB under state Mental Hygiene Law for years.
“Placing appointment of contracts into the hands of elected officials who do not necessarily have the knowledge of the members of this board ... it places our most vulnerable citizens at risk,” said Vitale, who has reached his term limit on the volunteer CSB.
Some members contend the board has the power to award contracts for mental health services or authorize Blair to make those decisions without county approval. The Mental Hygiene Law gives the local government unit the ability to operate independently of the Legislature.
“It's about the county's legal responsibilities,” said Francis Mitchell, one of two county legislators that sits on the CSB. “You may have contractors who are due employee status.”
The disputes between the Legislature and board have intensified in recent months because of state Office of Mental Health sanctions lodged mainly over facility issues in November 2007. A county attorney was unable to definitively clarify the CSB's powers in 2005.
A few CSB members were ready to establish clearer lines of communications with the Legislature and take steps to operate more cohesively.
“I don't like the battles,” said CSB member Arlene Egry. “As a consumer, it's jeopardizing the services I receive from the center.”
Board member Deborah Schwarting agreed the problems with the county and within the CSB need to end.
“I think it's time to stop,” she said. “We don't need another attorney to muddy the waters.
“Let's take the high road, let's work together,” Schwarting said.
Vitale's suggestion to seek legal help was tabled because of a dispute over his ability to introduce a resolution because his term has expired.
“We've had a rough year,” CSB Chairman George Steigerwald said. “I hope to move forward with new membership and hope to develop a good relationship (with the county).”
Mitchell agreed to speak with Steigerwald and Blair at the meeting's conclusion.
Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net
The county Legislature decided to move Community Mental Health Center financial personnel from the mental health administrative office on North Street to the County Office Building downtown last year.
Legislators also created two separate titles for David Blair as director of mental health services and the CSB to weaken the board's power, Vitale said.
Power to award contracts was diverted from Blair to the county.
More recently, the Legislature ignored a recommended appointment from the CSB nominating committee.
Vitale suggested these developments should be sorted out by an attorney, a resolution that drew mixed reactions from sitting members of the CSB.
The county and board have clashed over the rights and responsibilities of the CSB under state Mental Hygiene Law for years.
“Placing appointment of contracts into the hands of elected officials who do not necessarily have the knowledge of the members of this board ... it places our most vulnerable citizens at risk,” said Vitale, who has reached his term limit on the volunteer CSB.
Some members contend the board has the power to award contracts for mental health services or authorize Blair to make those decisions without county approval. The Mental Hygiene Law gives the local government unit the ability to operate independently of the Legislature.
“It's about the county's legal responsibilities,” said Francis Mitchell, one of two county legislators that sits on the CSB. “You may have contractors who are due employee status.”
The disputes between the Legislature and board have intensified in recent months because of state Office of Mental Health sanctions lodged mainly over facility issues in November 2007. A county attorney was unable to definitively clarify the CSB's powers in 2005.
A few CSB members were ready to establish clearer lines of communications with the Legislature and take steps to operate more cohesively.
“I don't like the battles,” said CSB member Arlene Egry. “As a consumer, it's jeopardizing the services I receive from the center.”
Board member Deborah Schwarting agreed the problems with the county and within the CSB need to end.
“I think it's time to stop,” she said. “We don't need another attorney to muddy the waters.
“Let's take the high road, let's work together,” Schwarting said.
Vitale's suggestion to seek legal help was tabled because of a dispute over his ability to introduce a resolution because his term has expired.
“We've had a rough year,” CSB Chairman George Steigerwald said. “I hope to move forward with new membership and hope to develop a good relationship (with the county).”
Mitchell agreed to speak with Steigerwald and Blair at the meeting's conclusion.
Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net
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