Suffolk Legis. Thomas Barraga is floating a proposal that would have private purchasers of the John J. Foley nursing home in Yaphank split ownership with the County in hopes of keeping the facility open
Newsday reported that Barraga, R-West Islip, has suggested a deal where buyers Israel and Benjamin Sherman would pay Suffolk $11.5 million for a 50 percent share of the nursing home. The Shermans would run the nursing home and have control over newly admitted patients.
Meanwhile, County employees at the nursing home would be guaranteed their jobs and current wages for three years. Newly hired employees would join a union such as Local 1199, which represents private nursing home workers. County employees who remain after three years would join the union.
This proposal comes a week after a state committee rejected the county's proposal to sell the Foley nursing home for $23 million.
After five years, the Shermans would have the opportunity to purchase the county's share of the nursing home for $11.5 million or is current value, whichever is higher.
Suffolk's Sales Tax Revenue Up in 2012
Suffolk County's sales tax collection increased by 3.1 percent in 2012, but that figure was less than expected.
Newsday reported County Executive Steve Bellone's budget office said the increase was less than the 4.6 percent growth that was expected for this past year, leaving the county short by $17.7 million.
County officials said they believe the effects of Hurricane Sandy had a negative impact on sales tax growth in the later months of 2012.
