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A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger |
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Dear Friends,
It was a big week with the presentation of the 2025 Executive Budget to the Legislature, and in this newsletter, we share budget highlights and next steps for its review and adoption by the Legislature.
The County government is in a strong fiscal position, receiving the lowest possible score of '0' in the State Comptroller's annual Fiscal Stress Score for local governments. We're working to keep it that way by making operational improvements and strategic investments that will produce long-term savings for taxpayers while keeping property taxes flat. At the same time, my proposed budget reflects a continued focus on initiatives that expand opportunities for our residents, improve people’s health and quality of life, and exemplify good stewardship of the environment and planet.
You can view my 2025 Budget Address on YouTube and also find the 930-page budget document on the County website if you'd like to dig into the details!
All my best,
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The County Budget: Topline Numbers and Process
The 2025 Executive Budget includes $432 million in spending, up from $412 million in the 2024 Adopted Budget. This increase is exclusive of transfers to the newly-created internal service fund. $8.8 million of this increase is funded by federal and state grants at no cost to the County and $16 million is mandated and required contractual spending, with the majority ($10.2 million) of that cost driven by social services, including Temporary Assistance, Child Welfare Services, and Early Intervention. With an unrestricted fund balance of $106 million, we are reserving 20% of operating expenditures as a "rainy day" fund, consistent with County Fund Balance Policy.
Over the next nine weeks, the County Legislature will review the proposed Budget, develop any amendments, and hold three public hearings in different areas of the County before voting on the final 2025 Budget at a special session on December 10.
Expanding Access to Affordable Housing
Addressing the housing affordability crisis remains one of the County's top priorities. The budget supports the development of housing that is affordable and green through the Housing Action Fund, as well as through a $5 million grant program, funded through a state award, to help homeowners build Accessory Dwelling Units. In addition, expanded legal services and support for individuals and families facing eviction will help keep people in their homes and help to prevent homelessness.
Better Homes for All: Energy-Efficient and Safe Housing
The Budget includes a new "Better Homes for All" Program to connect residents with state and federal assistance to upgrade their homes and make energy improvements that will reduce monthly bills and energy use and improve their health and comfort. The program includes a 'resilient mobile homes' initiative to address a gap in state assistance and help income-eligible residents heat and cool cleanly and affordably.
Strengthening Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
A robust EMS system is essential for health and safety, yet we face service gaps in our County. The 2025 Executive Budget includes a package of initiatives to enhance emergency medical services through recruitment, training, equipment, and support for multijurisdictional approaches to address these service gaps. These include a County partnership with SUNY Ulster on new EMS certification programs and a new EMS training unit in the County Department of Emergency Services; legal assistance to support municipalities in collaborative efforts to close service gaps; and a new EMS grant program to help volunteer services purchase equipment that enables enhanced patient care. The County Executive will also establish an EMS Advisory Board to ensure continued collaboration to raise the level of care for residents.
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Expanding Access to Public Transportation
The 2025 Executive Budget reflects a continued commitment to enhancing our public transit system. Based on a data-driven optimization study that has involved wide public input, improvements to the frequency of service, bus routes, and wait times at connections will be rolled out over three years, beginning in 2025. Thanks to a new Occupancy Tax policy, which dedicates 25% of tax revenues from visitor stays to transportation, the additional revenue is expected to offset the cost of improvements.
Building Resilient Infrastructure
With changing climate and storm patterns increasing the demands on our infrastructure, the 2025 Budget dedicates $10 million to a new Bridge Reserve Fund to support the repair and construction of resilient bridges. Additionally, the Department of Public Works will be bolstered with new positions so that more of the bridge and road work can be done in house, reducing reliance on costly contracts.
Helping Youth Thrive
The 2025 Budget prioritizes our most vulnerable youth by expanding services and enrichment opportunities for youth and families in emergency housing, including summer camps and programming. The Budget also reflects a continuing commitment to SUNY Ulster, with a County contribution of $7.1 million to ensure that our young people have access to a quality college education, including those who could not otherwise afford college.
Peer Support to Caregivers of Veteran and Active-Duty Service Members
Family caregivers of veterans and active-duty service members often lack formal support and frequently care for individuals with service-related mental health challenges. This funding will establish peer support for military-connected families and ensure they have access to the necessary local, state, and federal resources.
Expanding Entrepreneurial Opportunities
The County Economic Development Department is applying for $300,000 for a 2025 program to provide micro-grants to support entrepreneurs and small businesses, especially those facing barriers to accessing traditional financing. The County will also revitalize its $1.2 million Revolving Loan Fund to support small businesses, including minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses, with low-interest loans for a variety of needs.
Corrections to Careers Expansion
“Corrections to Careers,” a partnership with the Carpenters’ Union Local 279 launched by the County Executive in partnership with the Sheriff, provides incarcerated individuals with pre-apprenticeship training. In 2025, the program will be expanded to include next-level training in the union apprenticeship program upon release from jail for a rewarding career in the trades.
Helping Local Governments Go Green
The 2025 Executive Budget includes a second round of grants to local governments for climate initiatives, utilizing remaining funds from the County's federally funded $2.5M municipal solar and EV-charging program. The second round will include funding to offset the local share of NYSERDA grants for local governments to hire an on-site energy manager for two years. A new intermunicipal Climate Task Force will be created as part of the County’s Environmental Management Council to develop coordinated approaches and strategies to combat climate change, reduce emissions, and improve community resilience.
Modernizing Government: Improving Efficiency and Reducing Costs
The 2025 Executive Budget improves operational efficiencies by consolidating functions in two new departments, a Department of General Services and Department of Risk Management, to better meet departmental needs, eliminate redundancy and produce long-term savings.
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Make Sure You're Registered to Vote!
Have you moved since the last election? Make sure you're ready for the upcoming one! Register to vote online today or join the Ulster County Board of Elections at an upcoming event to register in person.
🗓️ Tuesday, October 15
🕛12 PM - 5 PM
📍Ulster County Restorative Justice Center (733 Broadway, Kingston, NY)
Whether you're a first-time voter or need to update your information, staff will be on-site to assist and answer any questions. Learn about this year's ballot contests, explore voting options, and enjoy family-friendly activities. Remember, your voice matters!
The Office for the Aging Wants Your Input
Join the Ulster County Office for the Aging at an upcoming public hearing to learn about our programs and services, and share your ideas on how we can better serve you.
🗓️ Friday, October 18
🕐 1 PM - 2:30 PM
📍Saugerties Public Library (91 Washington Ave, Saugerties, NY)
🗓️ Thursday, October 24
🕐 1 PM - 2:30 PM
📍New Paltz Community Center (3 Veterans Drive, New Paltz, NY)
See you there!
“Breaking the Cycle” Workshop
Join us for a special event featuring guest speaker Antwan Wakely, who will share his powerful story of overcoming the cycle of recidivism. Once caught in a pattern of repeated incarceration, Antwan made a transformative decision that changed the course of his life.
🗓️ Tuesday, October 22
🕐 6 PM
📍Restorative Justice Center (733 Broadway, Kingston, NY)
Hear how Antwan broke free from the system, rebuilt his life, and became a force for positive change in his community.
Questions? Contact Kim Mapes at (845) 802-7966.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The 12th Annual Ulster County Domestic Violence Information Forum, "Cybervictimization: At the Crossroads of Technology and Domestic Violence," is set for October 23 at SUNY New Paltz.
🗓️ Wednesday, October 23
🕡 9:30 AM - 12 PM
📍 SUNY New Paltz Lecture Center (Room 100, 1 Hawk Ave, New Paltz, NY)
💻 Register Today to Attend
Presentations will highlight ways in which technology has become a tool of domestic violence, what you can do to protect yourself from becoming victimized, and how law enforcement is using technology to secure convictions for abusers.
Protect Your Home from Hidden Fire Hazards
It's Fire Prevention Week (October 6-12), and a great time to ensure your home is safe from lesser-known fire risks, such as from bathroom exhaust fans. If not properly maintained, these fans can pose a serious hazard. Here are some important safety tips to keep your home protected:
- Clean your fan twice a year. If it starts making noises or smells strange, replace it.
- Avoid leaving fans on for long periods.
- Replace older fans, especially if they lack thermal protection.
- Listen for unusual sounds like scraping, or smells such as burning or melting.
- Clean air ducts regularly to reduce lint and dust buildup.
- Use LED bulbs, which produce less heat and are safer.
- Mark your calendar for routine fan maintenance.
Taking these simple steps can help prevent fires and keep your home safe. Stay proactive and stay safe!
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Join Us on the Nature Bus for the Last Time This Year
For the last time this season, take advantage of Ulster County’s free Nature Bus to visit one of our County's amazing natural attractions! Walk, hike, bike, swim, picnic, and explore at some of our County’s outdoor destination favorites.
📅 Saturday, October 12 - River Route
📍 Kingston Point Beach (Activities include: Walking, Biking, Swimming, and Playground)
📍 Sojourner Truth State Park (Activities include: Walking, Hiking, and Biking)
📍 Shaupeneak Ridge (Activities include: Walking, Hiking, and Biking)
📍 Walkway Over the Hudson State Park (Activities include: Walking and Biking)
📍 Black Creek Preserve (Activities include: Walking and Biking)
📍 Esopus Meadows Preserve (Activities include: Walking and Hiking)
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Attention Homeowners: Apply Today for Funding & Build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on Your Property
Ulster County homeowners can receive up to $125,000 in financial assistance for constructing or renovating affordable ADUs through the ‘Plus One’ ADU Home Program. The program aims to increase affordable housing options while providing homeowners living on modest incomes with additional income to pay the bills. Residents of the eight participating municipalities are eligible to apply from September 17 to November 18. Priority will be given to shovel-ready projects submitted by October 14.
Have a Say in the Future of Route 9W: Share Your Input on the Draft Mobility Plan
The Ulster County Transportation Council (UCTC), in partnership with the Town of Ulster and the New York State Department of Transportation, has released draft recommendations for the Route 9W Mobility Plan, and they are now open for public review. The plan focuses on improving safety, reducing congestion, and enhancing multi-modal connectivity along the busy Route 9W corridor between Van Kleeck Lane and Leggs Mills Road. Key strategies have been developed with input from a local advisory committee, and your feedback is crucial as we shape the future of one of Ulster County’s major commercial hubs.
Take a moment to review the plan and share your thoughts on how we can improve this vital corridor.
AED Grant Program: Enhancing Safety for Youth Camps and Sports Programs
Ulster County's AED Grant Program is now available to support youth sports programs and summer camps in meeting new state safety requirements. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, this $250,000 initiative offers up to $5,000 per non-profit organization to assist with purchasing Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) and training staff in their use. With the recent amendment to New York State Public Health Law mandating AEDs and certified personnel at these programs, the grant ensures that non-profit camps and youth sports programs are well-equipped to handle cardiac emergencies. Grant Details:
- Up to $5,000 per organization for AEDs and training
- Available to non-profit camps and youth sports programs that are not municipally operated
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Application deadline: October 15, 2024
- A Cardiac Emergency Implementation Plan is required to apply.
For more information, email AEDGrant@co.ulster.ny.us.
Job Openings in Ulster County
Consider a career in public service and earn a living by making a difference! Visit the civil service portal and apply today to join our team. Here are just some of the rewarding positions we're hiring for:
- Associate Public Health Engineer ($55.40/hour)
- Bus Driver ($23.86/hour)
- Clinical Laboratory Technologist ($60.34/hour)
- Deputy Director of Emergency Communications/Emergency Management ($37.98/hour)
- Registered Nurse ($39.67/hour)
- Public Transit Grants and Procurement Specialist ($31.01/hour)
The Ulster County Government strictly adheres to the principles of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and Americans with Disability Act.
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