County Executive Mike Hein Signs The 2016 Ulster County Budget

Posted December 18, 2015

Innovative Budget Delivers For The People Of Ulster County By Providing More Services Than Ever Before While Simultaneously Reducing The County Property Tax Levy

Kingston, N.Y. - Ulster County Executive Mike Hein has signed the 2016 Ulster County Budget, a $330 million financial plan that protects County taxpayers, reduces County spending and ensures more essential services are provided to County residents than ever before.  This budget once again reduces the County property tax levy, this time by 1.1%, expands the historic infrastructure investment of 2015 with an additional $15 million to repair and replace aging roads and bridges, and provides critical funding to support public safety initiatives such as a new fire training center and funding to combat the national tragedy of heroin addiction. 

The 2016 Budget continues County Executive Mike Hein’s commitment to providing essential services to County residents such as an expanded Meals On Wheels program for seniors, free legal services for Veterans and critical funding for warming centers.  The County Executive’s budget proposal was unanimously passed by the County Legislature on December 15, 2015 with only minor changes, and continues the strong fiscal policies that have earned Ulster County recognition as one of the most financially stable counties across New York by the State Comptroller’s Fiscal Stress Report.

“To some, a budget is simply about numbers,” said County Executive Hein, “but to me it is about people; and I am proud to say the 2016 Ulster County Budget protects and delivers for all of the 183,000 residents of Ulster County. I want to thank and commend the Legislature for unanimously adopting a responsible fiscal plan.  The 2016 Budget represents my administration’s continued commitment to being both fiscally and socially responsible by reducing County costs while at the same time providing enhanced services to our residents.  I am proud that this budget includes major investments in our infrastructure, and expanded services for our brave Veterans as well as our seniors. The 2016 budget also provides a real hand-up to some of our most vulnerable residents as well as outreach and programing for those struggling against addiction.”

 The approved 2016 Budget includes, as recommended by the County Executive, such major highlights as: 

  • A 1.1% reduction in the property tax levy in 2016; 

  • A $4.2 million reduction in spending while protecting essential services; 

  • Continuing the historic 2015 infrastructure investment program with an additional $15 million in funding, for a two year total investment of $30 million; 

  • A record multi-million dollar commitment to public safety, including the first county-wide fire training center and 911 emergency technology upgrades; 

  • Critical funding to fight the national tragedy of heroin addiction consistent with recommendations from the Ulster Coalition Against Narcotics (UCAN);  

  • Continued funding for the successful “Career Ladder” job creation program to enhance the County’s vibrant workforce; and 

  • An expanded Meals on Wheels program for seniors that makes “professional care coordinators” available to seniors to help with a transition from a hospital stay to home.  

Pictured below: County Executive Mike Hein signing the 2016 Ulster County Budget with Ulster County Legislator Jeanette Provenzano

 

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