Ulster County Approves Budget Prioritizing Infrastructure

The Ulster County Legislature voted to approve the 2025 County Executive Budget on Tuesday, December 10, with a bipartisan vote of 17 to 4 and two absences. The budget, proposed by County Executive Jen Metzger, prioritizes infrastructure and transportation improvements, housing initiatives, bolstering emergency medical services, environmental protection, and programs for youth, veterans, and small businesses.

The budget passed without a property tax increase and maintains a healthy fund balance. County Executive Metzger highlighted the County’s strong fiscal position with the receipt of a zero score in the State Comptroller’s annual Fiscal Stress Score, indicating the lowest possible level of fiscal stress.

Key initiatives included in the budget are:

* A new “Better Homes for All” program to assist households with energy upgrades for utility savings, safety improvements, and carbon footprint reduction.

* Continued support for housing initiatives to increase the supply of new housing and prevent eviction and homelessness.

* Dedication of revenue from the occupancy tax to support housing and public transit improvements.

* Measures to enhance EMS include recruitment, training, equipment, collaboration, and multi-jurisdictional approaches to service gaps.

* A new lead-hazard rental inspection program in high-risk areas, funded by the state.

* An increase of $200,000 in operational support for Ulster County Community College, bringing the total County support to $7.1 million.

* New after-school and summer programs for youth experiencing homelessness.

* Expansion of the “Corrections to Careers” program to continue pre-apprenticeship training upon release from jail.

A second round of municipal grants for climate initiatives utilizes remaining funds from the county’s $2.5 million federal solar and EV-charging program.

* Revitalizing the County’s $1.2 million Revolving Loan Fund to support minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses with low-interest loans.

* Increased operational efficiency by consolidating County functions into two new departments: a Department of General Services and a Department of Risk Management.

The County Executive scrutinizes amendments made by the Legislature, especially those not vetted by the Ways and Means Committee. The County Executive also supported amendments during the budget process, including $9 million to save debt service expenses by paying off Bond Anticipation Notes, two new bus steward positions, $8.25 million in contingency for expected salary increases, $75,000 for legal services for immigrants, and other items.

County Executive Metzger is reviewing amendments made on the floor during the vote. She has five days to sign the passed budget or veto any amendments.

Image Credit: Lucas Willard/WAMC