Ulster County Legislature approves, adopts 2025 budget

KINGSTON, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The Ulster County Legislature approved and adopted the 2025 executive budget in a bipartisan vote of 17 to 4, with two absences. According to the legislature, the total budget will have a spending plan of $475 million, will not raise taxes in the new year and is offset through an appropriation from the fund balance of $35.8 million.

"This budget makes critical investments in infrastructure, mental health, housing, public safety, and social services, reflecting our commitment to the people of Ulster County. I’m proud of the thoughtful work and amendments proposed by my colleagues to better serve our communities and look forward to these programs making a real difference," Chair Peter Criswell (District 7, City of Kingston) said.

The approved budget included the following initiatives:

• A new “Better Homes for All” program to help struggling households make energy upgrades that save on utility bills, improve safety and comfort, and reduce their carbon footprint. The Budget also continues to support a suite of housing initiatives to expand the supply of new housing and prevent eviction and homelessness.  
• Dedicated revenue from the occupancy tax to housing and to public transit service improvements. 
• A package of initiatives to enhance EMS through recruitment, training, equipment, collaboration, and to support multi-jurisdictional approaches for addressing service gaps. 
• A new lead-hazard rental inspection program in high-risk areas, with state funding.
• $200,000 in additional operational support for Ulster County Community College, bringing total County support to $7.1 million. 
• New after-school and summer programming for youth in emergency housing.
• An expansion of the “Corrections to Careers” program in the County jail to continue pre-apprenticeship training by the Carpenters' union upon release.
• A second round of grants to local municipalities for climate initiatives, utilizing remaining funds from the County's federally-funded $2.5M municipal solar and EV-charging program. 
• A revitalization of the County’s $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.
• An increase in operational efficiency by consolidating County functions in two new departments – a Department of General Services and Department of Risk Management – to better meet departmental needs and produce long-term savings. 

During the budget approval process, the legislature also included a receptionist with typing position in the Office of the Aging. According to the legislature the position was previously dissolved in the Executive's proposed budget; the legislature however thinks the position plays a crucial role in assisting the public.

"We heard from many seniors and caregivers how valuable this receptionist position is. As the face of Office for the Aging, this role serves as an entry point, providing valuable information to seniors and their families on not only the services the Department offers, but direction to other areas such as HEAP, Section 8 voucher applications, issues with their electric bill and countless other challenges our seniors face. I am grateful to my Legislative colleagues for recognizing this need and keeping this position in the Budget," said Majority Leader Abe Uchitelle (District 5, City of Kingston), the author of the amendment.

Legislator Gina Hansut (District 10, Highland & Marlborough) agreed saying the having a person in the position to help customers is important.

"Office for the Aging often serves as the first point of contact a senior or their family for the entire County, whether its seeking home health aide referrals, access to meal programs or simply looking to pay their tax bill. Having a knowledgeable human being answering the phone who is familiar with not only OFA’s services, but the entire County’s functions is invaluable to our neighbors when they need assistance and allows our seniors to continue to lead independent lives," she said.

The legislature has also approved the creation of two bus steward positions; the stewards will help ensure rider safety and assist passengers. Additionally, it approved $9 million to save debt service expenses by paying off Bond Anticipation Notes; $8.25 million in contingency for expected salary increases associated with the ongoing salary study, expected to be completed in 2025; and $75,000 for legal services for immigrants.

Those who voted against the budget think that the budget is too much money and is not in the best interest of county residents.

"The 2025 Budget includes major policy changes which should have greater Legislative oversight and does not include any tax relief for our residents despite us being out of compliance with our fund balance policy. We continue to overtax our neighbors who are already struggling to keep their head above water. Accordingly, this was a Budget I could not support," Minority Leader Kevin Robers (District 12, Plattekill) said. "I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues and the Executive to address the affordability crisis in Ulster County by taking less money from the pocket of our constituents and reducing the substantial tax burden we place on our neighbors."