Negotiations Allowed to Proceed for County Home Sale

Chautauqua County lawmakers have passed a measure that allows County Executive Greg Edwards to negotiate a contract with Altitude Health Services, Inc. to purchase the County Home. The vote was 16-8. Thursday night’s special session, which lasted nearly three hours, included a question and answer session with the prospective buyer, William Rothner. Majority Leader Larry Barmore came away with a favorable impression of Rothner...

Larry Barmore on William Rothner

Minority Leader Lori Cornell had concerns about Rothner...

Lori Cornell expresses concerns about William Rothner

Cornell pushed an amendment that would have forced an actual vote on selling the Dunkirk area facility, but it didn’t pick up enough support. Edwards says he will begin talks with Rothner over a final contract. He couldn’t say when an agreement could be worked out for action by the Legislature. 17 votes would be needed for a final sale.