From Bison to Budgets: Sullivan County Democrat Reporters Discuss Growth, Water and Public Safety

A loose bison in Livingston Manor may have grabbed attention online, but the latest Reporters Roundtable with the Sullivan County Democrat quickly moved into some of the larger issues facing Sullivan County: development, water, taxes, public safety and local government capacity.

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo was joined by Sullivan County Democrat Editor Isabel Braverman and staff writers Matthew Albeck, Vincent Kurzrock and Sean Kuhn for a wide-ranging conversation on recent stories from around the county.

The roundtable opened with the story of Hazel, a bison that escaped in Livingston Manor after gates were accidentally left open. Most of the herd was recovered within about a week, but Hazel split off and made her way through the area before she was eventually tranquilized and returned safely.

No one was hurt, and Hazel’s return became a bit of a community moment. According to the discussion, a drone operator with thermal imaging helped in the search, and the bison was later named Hazel after Hazel Road, where she was found.

But the conversation quickly turned from a wandering bison to a much bigger concern for Sullivan County: sales tax revenue.

The reporters discussed how Sullivan County is seeing a decline in sales tax revenue tied to building supplies and materials, even as the wider Mid-Hudson region and New York State have seen increases. That drop matters because sales tax revenue helps fund county government and is one of the county’s major revenue sources.

The concern, according to the discussion, is that if the trend continues, Sullivan County could face a significant shortfall heading into the 2027 budget. That could affect hiring, services and possibly property taxes.

The decline also raised a larger question: if development is still happening across the county, why is Sullivan County not seeing the same sales tax benefit from construction materials?

That led to one of the central themes of the roundtable: water.

Across Sullivan County, large developments are moving through planning boards, but questions remain about whether local water and sewer systems can support them. The group discussed how towns are looking at aquifer studies, water districts, sewer capacity and infrastructure as more projects come before local boards.

Braverman discussed Swan Lake View Homes, a proposed 150-unit residential development before the Town of Liberty Planning Board. The project would include duplex-style housing on about 43 acres near Swan Lake. Planning board members and residents have raised concerns about wetlands, the steepness of the property and whether the area has the infrastructure to support the project.

The panel also discussed development pressure in Thompson, Monticello, Bethel and Fallsburg, where water access and traffic concerns continue to come up during public meetings.

Another major topic was the Sullivan County Human Rights Commission. The reporters discussed Executive Director Ramon Wilson’s request for more investigative authority, along with more support for the commission.

Wilson has said more residents are reaching out to the commission, which shows a level of trust in the office. But the concern is that the commission has limited power when mediation does not resolve a complaint. In those cases, complaints may have to go to the state, where cases can face long delays.

The roundtable also looked at tick season and Lyme disease awareness. With Sullivan County being a high-risk area for ticks, the discussion focused on the importance of taking precautions outdoors, checking yourself and your pets, and being aware that symptoms can vary from person to person.

The group also discussed ATV complaints near the former Homowack Lodge property. Residents have raised concerns about noise, safety and illegal riding in the area. Local officials have said they are aware of the issue and are looking into it.

The conversation showed how many local stories are connected. A story about sales tax leads to development. Development leads to water. Water leads to infrastructure. And infrastructure leads back to how towns and the county plan for growth.