The four Democratic lawmakers on the Chautauqua County Legislature are seeking answers as to why the contract with Strong Starts Chautauqua, the contractor hired by the county to implement universal screenings for newborn children, was terminated.

On Monday, a letter was sent to the legislature’s American Rescue Plan Act Advisory Group Committee regarding Strong Starts Chautauqua. The ARPA Committee apparently recommended to County Executive PJ Wendel that he terminate the contract, which was managed by Healthy Community Alliance.

The legislature authorized $378,000 for the program, using ARPA funds, which originated from the federal government in response to economic recovery from COVID-19. By terminating the contract, the county apparently has saved $150,000.

Last month Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon, R-Ellery, told The Post-Journal/OBSERVER that there was an investigation going on and he was limited on what he could share.

On Nov. 6, the legislature’s Administrative Services Committee met in executive session to discuss the contract and possible concerns.

Among those in attendance were Legislators Susan Parker, D-Fredonia and Tom Nelson, D-Jamestown. Both Parker and Nelson, along with Democratic Legislators Bob Bankoski of Dunkirk and Billy Torres of Jamestown, sent the ARPA committee the letter Monday.

In it, they ask a number of questions to the ARPA Committee, which apparently is meeting today.

Questions asked include:

“1. An amended budget agreement with HCA CEO, Ann Battaglia, was signed in May 2023. Why was this amendment added only to be rescinded with termination of the contract five months later?

2. What invoices presented for payment have been questioned?

3. If there were concerns about invoices, when was the fiscal manager, Ann Battaglia, first contacted and asked for an explanation?

4. Apparently, the Director of Mental Hygiene and Social Services stated to Battaglia that the ARPA contract was secure on Aug. 30. What changed? When did it change?

5. Why was there no notice to or discussion with Ms. Battaglia prior to receipt of the certified letter dated Oct. 6 canceling the contract?

6. Why hasn’t the Advisory Group spoken out regarding the allegations that there is an ‘investigation’ and ‘misuse’ of money?

7. What steps will the Advisory Group take respecting cancellation of this contract and the unexpended appropriation?”

Along with the ARPA Committee, copies of the letter were sent to Wendel, Chagnon County Attorney Patrick Slagle, county Industrial Development Director Mark Geise, Republican Majority Leader Tom Harmon of Silver Creek, ARPA Administrator Blake Ihrig, Director of Finance Kitty Crow, and Budget Director Jennifer Swan.

Also, Parker and Nelson sent a second letter to the ARPA Committee, questioning the canceling of the contract without the legislature’s knowledge or permission. In their letter, they wrote, “It appears that the termination of this contract was not conducted using an adequately thorough, fair, and systematic process. The termination/rescindment should be reconsidered following as thorough a process as the application and allocation of funding by the ARPA Committee and the Legislature and their committees. If there are concerns with the program, a thorough and adequate process should be followed to determine the outcome of the contract.”

Parker said she also believes the county has hurt the reputation of Strong Starts Chautauqua and HCA. “I’m embarrassed for our county and my constituents,” she said. “We need to publicly apologize for unfairly and falsely maligning the Healthy Community Alliance organization and all the good people associated with it and the Strong Starts initiative.”

She has put together a motion which, if enough legislators sign it, would come up for a vote at the December meeting. Parker has asked the Administrative Services Committee to review it Dec. 11.