Committee sets hearing on vulnerable road users, approves rental-assistance contract and homelessness amendments The committee set a public hearing on a local law to protect vulnerable road users, approved $494,918 in state-administered rental assistance via Catholic Charities, and approved two contract amendments to Family of Woodstock for emergency homeless services; a bike-ped policy update was postponed.

Ulster County is taking bold steps to protect vulnerable road users and enhance homelessness services, with a key public hearing set for June 17, 2025!

Learn more here

#UlsterCounty #NY #HousingAssistance #CitizenPortal #VulnerableUsers #PublicSafety

Ulster County legislators postpone rail-with-trail policy vote after feasibility, noise and conflict concerns Lawmakers voted 5-2 to postpone Resolution 275, which would amend county policy on a "rail with trail" along the Ulster & Delaware Railroad Corridor, and asked for planning and economic-development reports, a neutral engineering review, noise analysis, and consideration of a land swap for the Stony Hollow parcel.

Ulster County legislators just voted to delay a critical decision on the controversial rail-with-trail policy amidst intense concerns over feasibility, noise, and potential conflicts of interest.

Click to read more!

#UlsterCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EngineeringFeasibility

Ulster County amends 2025 budget to add technician for state lead rental registry covering Kingston ZIP 12401 The committee approved a budget amendment to add a grant-funded public health technician for a five-year state lead rental registry expected to screen more than 5,000 units (ZIP code 12401); the county will add a third technician (grant-funded), train Kingston inspectors on screeners and coordinate potential remediation with Repco.

Ulster County is stepping up its fight against lead exposure by adding a third public health technician to oversee a groundbreaking rental registry program that could transform over 5,000 housing units!

Learn more here

#UlsterCounty #NY #UlsterCountyPublicHealth #CitizenPortal #HousingSafety

Ulster County to fund two Oxford House peer-run recovery homes with $225,000 in opioid settlement funds The committee approved a $225,000 contract with Oxford House Inc. to establish two peer-run recovery houses; county officials said funds will pay for site selection, ramp-up, furniture and a housing specialist, with a behavioral health needs assessment guiding placement.

Ulster County is taking a bold step in recovery by funding two peer-run homes with $225,000 in opioid settlement dollars—offering a lifeline for those in need!

Click to read more!

#UlsterCounty #NY #UlsterCountyRecovery #BehavioralHealth #PeerSupport #CitizenPortal #OpioidRecovery

Ulster County to join state overdose database under five-year, no-cost agreement The committee authorized a five-year, no-cost data use agreement with the New York State Department of Health to access a statewide overdose database for more accurate local tracking and resource allocation; Commissioner McDonald said overdose rates and fatalities have fallen statewide.

Ulster County is set to revolutionize its approach to combating overdoses by accessing a state database at no cost, paving the way for smarter resource allocation and trend tracking.

Click to read more!

#UlsterCounty #NY #DataTransparency #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #UlsterCountyOverdose

“Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn.” ☀️
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
#scape #sky #catskills #clouds #trees #sunset #autumn #nature #ulstercounty #newyork #photography

Committee debates $40 million transfer into iClass as a first step to diversify county deposits Committee members discussed authorizing a $40 million transfer into an iClass investment to diversify county holdings, with the controller noting the county still holds roughly $257 million at Bank of Greene County and members pressing for a staged plan and caution about publicizing an exit strategy.

Ulster County is taking a bold step toward financial diversification with a proposed $40 million transfer into an iClass investment, but the committee is grappling with the implications and timing of this strategic move.

Learn more here!

#UlsterCounty #NY #InvestmentPolicy #CitizenPortal

At a glance: key Ulster County Legislature votes March 18, 2025 On March 18 the Ulster County Legislature handled multiple agenda items: extensions and bond authorization for UCRRA (Res. 83 / 83a), lease with iPark (Res. 89), transit committee appointments (Res. 95), parental leave (Res. 119), and vendor reporting (Res. 124). Vote tallies are noted below.

The Ulster County Legislature made significant decisions on March 18, from bonding for a Reuse Innovation Center to new parental leave policies—what does this mean for the community?

Get the details!

#UlsterCounty #NY #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #PublicPolicy

Ulster County approves $10 million bonding authority for Reuse Innovation Center amid oversight dispute After heated debate over oversight and transparency, the Ulster County Legislature voted 15–8 to authorize the Resource Recovery Agency to seek bonding up to $10,000,000 for a Reuse Innovation Center at a Flatbush property; a separate 60‑day extension of the agency’s service agreement passed 23–0.

Ulster County has sparked controversy by approving a $10 million bonding authority for a Reuse Innovation Center, igniting a heated debate over oversight and transparency!

Click to read more!

#UlsterCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #TransparencyInGovernance #ResourceRecovery #SustainableDevelopment

Ulster County adopts 12‑week parental leave program after debate over costs and scope The Ulster County Legislature adopted Resolution 119 to create a parental‑leave program offering paid leave (12 weeks at full wages per discussion), 19–4, after debate over fiscal impact, inclusion of foster care and eldercare, and whether benefits continue to accrue. A motion to send the resolution back to committee was proposed and withdrawn.

Ulster County has just approved a groundbreaking 12-week parental leave program, but fierce debates over costs and inclusivity linger.

Get the details!

#UlsterCounty #NY #FamilyStability #CitizenPortal #WorkforceInvestment #FiscalTransparency #UlsterCountyParentalLeave

Speakers urge protections for Colony Farm and farmworker housing during Ulster County farmland plan hearing Three public commenters told the Ulster County Legislature they support the draft Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan and urged specific additions: designate the former prison farmland (Colony Farm) as an Ulster County Ag Park, pursue dedicated farmworker housing, and strengthen supports for organic farms.

Ulster County is on the verge of transforming its agricultural landscape, with calls to designate Colony Farm as a vital Ag Park and tackle urgent farmworker housing needs!

Read the full story

#UlsterCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #AgriculturalProtection #OrganicFarming #FarmworkerHousing

People USA outlines 24/7 crisis support center to Ulster County legislators People USA presented a peer‑run, 24/7 crisis stabilization model and usage data from a Dutchess County center (2024: ~3,000 guests; ~2,000 mental‑health related visits; ~700 substance‑use), and requested legislative engagement and a facility tour when local centers open.

People USA is proposing a groundbreaking 24/7 Crisis Support Center for Ulster County, aiming to transform mental health care and divert thousands from emergency services!

Learn more here

#UlsterCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #UlsterCountyCrisisSupport #CommunityCollaboration #SubstanceUseRecovery

Baker Tilly recommends single 34-grade pay structure for Ulster County in salary study Baker Tilly presented a countywide salary study recommending a single 34-grade, nine-step pay structure for Ulster County, outlined three implementation scenarios with estimated one-time costs and urged routine maintenance; legislators pressed the consultant on peer selection, missing municipal data and geographic adjustments.

Baker Tilly's bold recommendation for a new pay structure in Ulster County could reshape employee compensation and ensure fairness—will the committee take the plunge?

Learn more here

#UlsterCounty #NY #SalaryReform #CitizenPortal #UlsterCountyPay #CompensationTransparency #PublicEmployment

Joppenbergh Mountain
Rosendale, New York
#RockinTuesday #ColorADay #bluetue #rosendaletrestle #walkillvalleyrailtrail #trees #rocks #sky #nature #ulstercounty #newyork #photography

Ulster County Legislature approves wide set of contracts and local laws after heated debate; public raises landfill, oversight and union concerns The Feb. 18 Ulster County Legislature meeting included sustained public opposition to a proposed landfill in Wawarsing, debate over living-wage exemptions for youth employment, a tight vote on midterm salary increases for elected officials, approvals for the Golden Hill housing project and multiple sheriff contracts and appointments.

The Ulster County Legislature faced fierce public opposition over a proposed landfill, while also navigating heated debates on living wages and salary revisions in a pivotal meeting that could shape the future of local governance.

Click to read more!

#UlsterCounty #NY #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal

Ulster County audit committee hears 2024 audit plan, approves Sept. minutes Auditors from O'Connor Navy told the Ulster County audit committee that 2023 statements were issued Sept. 27, 2024, and outlined 2024 fieldwork, the single-audit program list, two primary audit risks and the impact of GASB 101 on compensated‑absence liabilities.

Ulster County's audit committee is gearing up for a critical 2024, facing significant risks and new regulations that could reshape their financial landscape!

Click to read more!

#UlsterCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #AuditRiskManagement #FinancialTransparency #GovernmentAccountability

County health officials brief legislators on lead remediation plan, staffing and language access Health Department staff described a state program to inspect pre‑1980 rental units for lead hazards and said the county budget includes inspection and records positions; officials also highlighted language‑access contracts and outreach plans and cautioned about clinical staff recruitment challenges.

Ulster County is set to launch a proactive lead safety program for rental properties in 2025, but the success hinges on state funding and contract finalizations.

Get the details

#UlsterCounty #NY #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #UlsterCountyHealth #CommunityOutreach #LeadSafety

Ulster County committee flags staffing gaps and multi‑million increases in social services budget during 2025 review Committee heard department‑level budget presentations showing large increases for family assistance, special education and early intervention; members and staff flagged staffing shortages, redirected ARPA funds for mental‑health projects and new state partnerships for lead remediation and veteran caregiver supports.

Ulster County's proposed 2025 budget reveals alarming multi-million dollar increases for social services, amidst ongoing staffing shortages and urgent housing demands.

Click to read more!

#UlsterCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #EmergencyHousing #SocialServices #MentalHealth

#kingstonny #nokings3 #nk3 #resist #ulstercounty #nokings #nowar #noice #indivisibleulsterny18&19

#kingstonny #nokings3 #nk3 #resist #ulstercounty #nokings #nowar #noice #indivisibleulsterny18&19

#kingstonny #nokings3 #nk3 #resist #ulstercounty #nokings #nowar #noice #indivisibleulsterny18&19

#kingstonny #nokings3 #nk3 #resist #ulstercounty #nokings #nowar #noice #indivisibleulsterny18&19

#kingstonny #nokings3 #nk3 #resist #ulstercounty #nokings #nowar #noice #indivisibleulsterny18&19

#kingstonny #nokings3 #nk3 #resist #ulstercounty #nokings #nowar #noice #indivisibleulsterny18&19

#kingstonny #nokings3 #nk3 #resist #ulstercounty #nokings #nowar #noice #indivisibleulsterny18&19

Plan now to see our louvered roof in action at the Grand Am BBQ Championship at the Ulster County Fairgrounds on May 1-3, 2026. 

hvsunrooms.com 

#sunrooms #hudsonvalley #fourseasons #hudsonvalleyny #ulstercountyfair #ulstercounty #ribfest #grandambbq

NO WAR WITH IRAN rally held March 7, 2026 in Kingston, NY
youtu.be/H_0xK35Wen8
#noiranwar
#iran
#dsa
#kingston
#ulstercounty

We, in Ulster County, NY, are very fortunate to have a smart thoughtful Sheriff who has made his department a beacon for helping residents feel safe. Here's a video from his re-election campaign kickoff. Enjoy.
youtu.be/bNGa6kLbbLI
#indivisibleulster
#ulstercounty
#indivisible
#sheriff
#junafigueroa

“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.”
—LaoTzu
#waterwednesday #ashokanreservoir #sky #clouds #catskills #water #trees #nature #hudsonvalley #ulstercounty #newyork #photography

Committee adopts amendment to Resolution 108, confirms two EMC reappointments and postpones river-rights local law The committee amended and unanimously adopted Resolution 108 to align the Hudson 7 agreement language and funding intent, confirmed reappointments of Sarah Underhill and Victoria Lucarini to the Environmental Management Council, and voted to postpone a proposed local law declaring "riverhood" (rights of certain waterways) for one month to give time for legal review and public-readiness work.

Ulster County's committee just made waves by amending a key resolution, confirming vital reappointments, and hitting pause on a groundbreaking "riverhood" law!

Click to read more!

#UlsterCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #SustainabilityEfforts #EnvironmentalManagement #UlsterCountyEnvironment