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A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger |
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Dear Friends,
As we approach the holidays, I want to wish you a joyous season and a peaceful and fulfilling New Year. At the County, we are looking forward to a productive 2025, and have laid the groundwork with the adoption of the 2025 County Budget last week. You'll find more information on the budget, below, along with news about our draft Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan, the return of in-patient mental health services to the County, and more.
During this holiday season, please join me if you are able to support any one of the many community-based organizations in our County that work to help our most vulnerable neighbors.
Warmest wishes for the holidays,
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Recent News & Events
Ulster County 2025 Budget Approved by County Legislature
The Ulster County Legislature has approved the 2025 Executive Budget, advancing County Executive Jen Metzger's initiatives on housing, infrastructure investment, emergency medical services, public transit, climate and environmental protection, and after-school and summer programs for youth, among other priorities — all while keeping property taxes flat. The final budget also includes $14.1 million in legislative amendments, increasing the total 2025 budget to just over $446 million. Much of that increase (over $8 million) is allocated to a "contingency" line in the budget for any employee compensation changes that may result mid-year when the County's salary study and contract negotiations are completed. The amendment potentially avoids the need to amend the budget mid-year and was made in consultation with, and supported by, County Executive Metzger.
A Message from the County Executive on the Adopted Budget:
This past week, I signed the 2025 Budget, concluding a six-month budgetary process that begins with the development of my Executive Budget and then moves through the legislative process before its final adoption. While there is a lot of good news in the budget for our communities, I was in the difficult position of having to cast a line-item veto of a legislative amendment. The amendment was well-intended by most Legislators, but it violated New York State fair labor law and the County Charter by granting a raise to 64 (out of more than 900) CSEA union employees outside of contract negotiations currently underway between my office and their union representatives. To put it plainly, the employees were promised something that could not legally be done outside of collective bargaining and would have led to improper practice charges against the County. The majority of Legislators recognized in the days that followed that the amendment should never have passed, and publicly supported the veto.
As collective bargaining negotiations continue in 2025, I am committed to making sure that all 1000+ of Ulster County’s union employees get a fair deal in their new contracts, negotiated in good faith.
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New Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit Opens in Kingston
On Monday, Dec. 16, County Executive Metzger cut the ribbon with hospital and elected officials on the long-awaited inpatient behavioral health unit at HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston. Ulster County has been without in-patient mental health services since the height of COVID-19 in 2020, leaving a major gap in mental health care.
The new 20-bed hospital unit restores a third of the behavioral health beds that existed at the former Benedictine Hospital prior to COVID, and we will be watching closely to see how the hospital is meeting the need in Ulster County.
At the same time, the County is expanding its own services at the new Ulster County Center for Well-Being. A 24/7 Crisis Support Center and a children and family mental health clinic are set to open in early 2025. These additions will address the growing need for mental health support.
County Executive Joins Call for Clean Energy with NY Heat Act
County Executive Jen Metzger joined elected officials and advocates to call for passage of the NY Heat Act as part of the 2025 State Budget, which would end utility subsidies to expand gas infrastructure and focus instead on investing in affordable, clean energy solutions for heating and cooling homes.
Central Hudson recently raised gas rates by 5.5% in July and is seeking an additional 20% increase next year — and this is just for delivering the gas through its pipes to households. Central Hudson projects the cost of gas supply to add another 11% increase to this winter's bills. Both the costs and the environmental toll of continued reliance on a gas system are unsustainable, and it is in the public interest for the utility to focus on solutions that are affordable and do not further worsen climate change.
The County Presents its Draft Agricultural & Farmland Protection Plan
The County Planning Department had a great turnout of farmers, agricultural partners, Legislators, and community members at the public presentation of Ulster County’s draft Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan — the first update in nearly three decades! The plan outlines strategies to sustain and strengthen local agriculture while tackling the challenges facing the County's farmers. Special thanks to Ulster County Senior Planner Burt Samuelson and the County's consultant, Nan Stolzenburg of Community Planning & Environmental Associates, for their hard work and leadership on this important effort, and to SUNY New Paltz for hosting the presentation!
The Plan also contains a wealth of information and facts about County agriculture that you won't find in one place anywhere else, including:
- Ulster County is home to 486 farms.
- Farmland currently accounts for 10% of the County's land area, representing a 30% decline since 2002.
- In 2022, our farms had $105.5 million in sales. Nearly a quarter of these sales were direct to consumers, which is higher than the norm and great for our residents and visitors who get farm-fresh produce from the source!
- Farms with hired labor in Ulster County employed 1,800 workers, placing the County 4th in the state for the size of its agricultural workforce.
For those who couldn’t attend the public presentation, the draft plan is available at Participate Ulster. Public comments are being accepted through Jan. 31 and can be submitted at the link or by emailing Burt Samuelson at bsam@co.ulster.ny.us.
23 Ulster County Residents Become U.S. Citizens
Twenty-three Ulster County residents from 15 countries became citizens during a beautiful naturalization ceremony at the historic Ulster County Courthouse on Friday. The diversity of countries they come from is truly impressive — from India, Ukraine, Ecuador, Mexico, Colombia, Jamaica, Bangladesh, Honduras, Guatemala, Mongolia, Germany, Canada, South Korea, Nepal, and El Salvador. Congratulations to all of our new citizens!
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Give the Gift of Life: Donate Blood at the Kingston Blood Center
The County Executive is a blood donor and recently visited the Kingston Blood Center to talk with Spectrum News about the importance of donating blood, especially during the holiday season when donations tend to be lower but the need remains great.
Ulster County is proud to host the only brick-and-mortar blood donation center north of Fishkill. You can help by making an appointment or stopping by the Kingston center, located at 51 Albany Avenue, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2–8 PM. Your donation is a meaningful gift that can save lives.
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Honoring Veterans: Wreaths Across America at New Paltz Rural Cemetery
The community came together at the New Paltz Rural Cemetery on Dec. 14 to lay wreaths on the graves of veterans and service members, supporting National Wreaths Across America’s mission "to teach, honor, and serve." The cemetery is the final resting place of more than 1,100 veterans, including those dating back to the Civil War. Section C, a segregated area established in 1867, is where Black veterans of the Civil War are buried.
The event included the release of two rehabilitated Red Tail Hawks by NYC DEP's Chris Nadareski, symbolizing the freedoms and values fought for by those buried there. The ceremony was led by Ulster County Veterans Services Director Mark Cozzupoli, and featured remarks by County Executive Jen Metzger, New Paltz Rural Cemetery Board President Jon Simonson, and Brannen-van den Berg VFW Post 8645 Commander Andrew Mironchik. Father Salvatore Cordaro from St. Joseph’s Church offered a blessing, as attendees gathered to remember and honor those who served.
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Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Brings Holiday Cheer to Ulster County
This year, the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program provided gifts to roughly 150 Ellenville-area families in need. At the Elks Lodge in Wawarsing, volunteers and Marine Reservists distributed toys to children served by the program, which supports about 1,700 kids throughout the region. The program has expanded to three locations in Wawarsing, New Paltz, and Kingston to reach more families.
Special thanks to Mike Binns, Ulster County Toys for Tots Coordinator, his wife Kristin, and all the volunteers for making this event a success. A special shout-out to Ulster County Area Transit for offering shuttle service to the Elks Lodge for families without transportation.
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Happy Birthday, WKNY Radio Kingston! Celebrating 85 Years of Local Broadcasting
On Saturday, Dec. 14, County Executive Metzger joined Radio Kingston to celebrate 85 years of WKNY. The event honored its legacy as a trusted local news source, its commitment to amplifying voices across the community, and its role in bringing people together through music and storytelling. Cheers to many more years of WKNY’s contributions to local broadcasting!
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Wishing You a Joyful Holiday Season
As we approach the heart of the holiday season, we extend our warmest wishes to everyone celebrating in the coming weeks. May your celebrations be filled with joy, peace, and togetherness. Happy Holidays to all!
On New Year's Day, parking at all state parks is free, including Minnewaska State Park Preserve and Sam's Point, right here in Ulster County!
Looking for Foster Homes - Make a Difference in a Child’s Life!
Join our monthly Foster Parent Orientation to learn about foster care and how you can help. You'll get comprehensive info on the joys and responsibilities of fostering.
🗓️ Tuesday, Jan. 7
🕔 5:30 PM - 6: 30 PM
📍 Department of Social Services (1091 Development Court, Kingston, NY)
Orientations are held on the first Tuesday of every month. To attend, please call ahead to confirm your spot with a Home Finder: (845) 334-5400.
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Celebrate the Holidays with Gratitude and Community Support
During the holiday season, please help spread the word about special events, services, resources, and opportunities to help ensure that everyone has a warm and joyful holiday, and consider donating or contributing if you are able:
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People's Place in Kingston runs the Bag Holiday Hunger program between Christmas and New Year's Day, providing additional breakfast and lunch foods for families with school-age children throughout Ulster County.
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The Ulster County Warming Center provides shelter to anyone in need as temperatures drop, ensuring our most vulnerable residents have a warm and safe place to stay. The Center is open 24/7 now through Mar. 31, and is located at 2nda Iglesia La Mision Church, 80 Elmendorf Street in Kingston, NY. For assistance, call (845) 334-0551.
- For more information on accessible food pantries and other services, check out UCAT Accessible Food Pantries Map and UlsterCorps Food Pantries Directory.
Grant Opportunity for Community Organizations
Local organizations that uplift our community through work in health, education, children’s recreation, the arts, and more can apply for support through Stewart’s Shops. Stewart’s awards community organizations with grants to deliver the maximum positive impact by delivering a service to those in need. They also offer a Matching Gift Campaign toward specific projects. The campaign can be for one week in two shops or two weeks in one shop, where they match customers’ contributions for a particular project up to $5,000.
This information is being provided for the benefit of Ulster Residents, these programs are not operated or controlled by the County of Ulster.
Join a County Board and Make a Difference! Seeking Volunteers
Ulster County is looking for passionate individuals to help shape policies and initiatives that improve our community. Explore the opportunities below to learn how you can contribute.
Are you passionate about making our streets safer?
Seeking volunteers for the Ulster County Traffic Safety Board to boost traffic safety through study, advocacy, and public education. The Board champions the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users at the most risk. The Traffic Safety Board typically meets the first Monday of the month at 6 PM.
Are you a young adult who wants to make a difference?
Seeking youth members (ages 16-21) for the Ulster County Youth Board to advise the Youth Bureau Director, County Executive, and County Legislature on youth issues. The Board recommends ways to support and coordinate all youth-serving agencies in Ulster County. The Board also helps the Youth Bureau Director review applications for funding. The board typically meets on the third Thursday of the month at 5:30 PM.
Would you like to help our seniors thrive?
Seeking volunteers for the Office for the Aging Advisory Council to advocate for adults ages 60 and up in Ulster County. The Council advises the Office for the Aging (OFA) on how to serve the county's older adults with dignity and purpose. The Council helps OFA develop its four-year "Area Plan" to support older adults and their caregivers. The Office of the Aging Advisory Council typically meets every other month on the second Monday at 1:30 PM.
Volunteers Needed to Assist with Annual Point-in-Time Count
The Ulster County Continuum of Care — a coalition of County government and nonprofit partners run by CARES NY — will be holding its annual Point in Time Count for homeless unhoused individuals from Jan. 23-25 throughout the County. Teams will host resource events and canvas to ensure an accurate count of our most vulnerable population. The annual PIT count provides vital data and interactions and allows us to plan better for how to reach and assist the homeless individuals in Ulster County.
If you are interested in learning more, volunteering, or donating supplies, please contact:
📧 Laura Nordstrom, Director of Housing and Homelessness, at Lnor@co.ulster.ny.us
📧 Rhonda Garcia from CARES of NY at Rhonda.Garcia@cccsos.org
📧 Lisa McDonald from RUPCO at lmcdonald@rupco.org
Site Program Manager Needed in Ellenville
Ulster County is hiring a Site Program Manager at the County's Trudy Resnick Farber building in Ellenville, serving as a community connector, overseeing programming, and helping individuals of all ages and abilities access vital services and resources. Candidates with experience in southern Ulster County and Spanish-speaking skills are a plus. Pay is $31.01 per hour.
Job Openings in Ulster County Social Services - NO Civil Service Test Required for these Positions
Earn a living by making a difference for those in need! The Ulster County Department of Social Services is now hiring for:
- Social Welfare Examiner Trainee
- Social Welfare Examiner
- Caseworker Aide
- Caseworker Trainee
- Caseworker
- Child Support Specialist
Great news for job seekers! From now until May 2025, the Civil Service exam requirement is waived for select positions, making it easier to apply and get hired. Visit the civil service portal and apply today.
The Ulster County Government strictly adheres to the principles of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and Americans with Disability Act.
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