John Mason is reporting in the Register Star as expected, two companies bidding to buy, renovate and operate the Pine Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center made presentations to the Columbia County Board of Supervisors and members of the public Mon., Feb. 23. The 120-bed county-owned facility is located in Philmont. Approximately 200 people are employed at the center. The board heard from Bruce Peckman, the CEO of Long Island-based Premier Health Care Management. Premier has been in the nursing home business for more than 60 years. The company recently contracted with Kaaterskill Nursing home in Catskill. The second presentation was by CEO Kenny Rozenberg of Centers Health Care of the Bronx. Rozenberg said his company's footprint is mainly in New York state, with facilities in the Finger Lakes, Corning, the Bronx, Buffalo and southern New Jersey. Rozenberg said his company's primary focus is rehabilitation. "People come sick and go home healthy," he said. Most of the questions posed by the supervisors and the public related to the future for existing employees under privatization, pay rates and each company's commitment to the community. Both Peckman and Rozenberg agreed the only departments that would see job eliminations following an acquisition would be payroll, because those duties would be handled from their respective central offices, not in Philmont. The two proposals now head to the county Pine Haven Sub-committee and Health Committee for review. A recommendation to the full board is expected in March. Read the full story in the Register Star.