Ulster County Legislature Approves 2026 Budget, Maintains Flat Property Taxes

KINGSTON, N.Y. — The Ulster County Legislature voted Wednesday to approve the 2026 Executive Budget, advancing County Executive Jen Metzger’s proposals to tackle food and housing insecurity, bolster emergency medical services, enhance public transit and infrastructure, and protect the environment — all while keeping property taxes flat.

Metzger praised the Legislature’s work, highlighting the budget’s focus on immediate community needs and long-term fiscal health.

“I want to thank the Legislature for approving this budget and for its partnership in carefully stewarding County finances during this challenging time, as the federal government cuts safety-net programs and shifts costs to states and counties,” Metzger said. “This budget meets immediate needs, including bolstering food and housing security, while investing in safe and resilient infrastructure and safeguarding Ulster County’s long‑term fiscal health. I plan to sign the approved 2026 budget as soon as it is delivered.”

The final budget passed with a vote of 14 to 8, with one absence. Key allocations include:

Emergency Medical Services ($4.7 million): Support for local EMS agencies, performance-based incentives, and a new EMT certification program to address staffing shortages.

Food Security: $350,000 in food security grants, $150,000 to expand Meals on Wheels for seniors, plus a legislative addition of $40,000 to assist immigrant families.

Housing Stability: $640,000 to expand the Eviction Prevention Program with legal support for tenants, and $2 million from the Housing Action Fund to create a nonprofit-run family shelter.

Senior Transportation ($30,000): Expansion of the Neighbor2Neighbor program to increase rides for seniors to medical appointments and pharmacies.

Transit & Infrastructure ($14.5 million): Paving 30 miles of county roads, replacing seven bridges, adding Sunday UCAT bus service in Kingston, new transfer points, and modernization of UCAT schedules and website.

School Bus Safety: Launch of a stop-arm camera program funded through fine revenue to reduce illegal passing of school buses.

Climate & Environment: Construction of an all-electric, net-zero Emergency Communications Center in New Paltz; support for municipal climate solutions; and the “Green the Scene” program for composting and recycling at local events.

SUNY Ulster Support: $7.1 million in operating support, plus $4.3 million in state-mandated chargebacks, and creation of a Reimagining SUNY Ulster Committee to guide future capital investments.

Community & History: $100,000 for Revolutionary War 250th anniversary programming, and $30,000 for the Hometown Heroes Banner Program honoring veterans and community heroes.

The budget also includes negotiated raises for unionized employees and the first year of a new salary plan for non-represented staff to address wage compression and recruitment challenges.