County bets on Resorts World

Resorts World Catskills reached an agreement to sell its non-gaming assets to the Sullivan County Resort Facilities Local Development Corporation (LDC). The move, officials said, was designed to strengthen the casino’s long-term stability while supporting economic growth in Sullivan County.

The transaction will transfer ownership of hotels, the Alder/Entertainment Village, the 18-hole Monster Golf Course, restaurants, and event and meeting spaces from Resorts World Catskills to the LDC. The casino and all regulated gaming operations are not part of the deal, nor is the Kartrite Resort & Waterpark.

The LDC was expected to issue bonds valued at up to $585 million to finance the purchase, which was expected to take place in September but was later delayed with officials from parent company Genting saying it won’t happen until at least the first week of January. 

As the deal awaits finalizing, the Gaming Board approved licenses for three new New York City casinos, including one by Resorts World New York City, which has a property in Queens. 

According to the Gaming Facility Location Board final report, Resorts World proposes to convert and expand its existing video lottery terminal facility in Queens into a full commercial casino, expected to open in March 2026, with completion of the expansion in 2029 and full project completion in 2031.

County Budget passes after weeks of debate

On Wednesday, October 29, County Manager Joshua Potosek presented the Legislature with a 2026 Tentative Sullivan County Budget of $305,746,606 designed to avoid cutting essential programs and deal with inflation-fueled costs and significant losses in sales tax. The budget proposed to raise property taxes by 9.1% and utilized monies from the county fund balance to offset the estimated $5 million shortfall in sales tax revenue from last year.

“The 2026 Tentative Sullivan County Budget continues to carefully position the county to maintain its fiscal stability and provide the services taxpayers need and demand,” said Potosek. “Nevertheless, we are keeping as close an eye as ever on fiscal responsibility and the limits of taxpayers’ abilities, which is why I’ve conveyed to legislators and our economic development partners that it’s absolutely critical we aggressively work on attracting more taxpaying industries to the county.”

During subsequent public hearings, residents voiced complaints about the budget’s tax increase, which prompted legislators to take another week to discuss cost-cutting options.

On Thursday, December 18, the Legislature voted (5-3) to pass a new amended budget with an approximate 2% property tax increase, with Legislators Joseph Perrello, Nicholas Salamone and Terry Blosser-Bernardo voting “no” and Amanda Ward absent. 

Grossingers sold to Florida  developer

In July the property where the iconic Grossinger’s Resort once stood—on a hill overlooking Liberty—was sold to a Florida developer for $14.75 million. Details of the plans have not yet been made available. 

Not much stands at the property now, after the resort closed in 1986, was demolished in 2017, and succumbed to fire in 2022. One of the jewels of the property, however, is the Big G, an 18-hole championship golf course, which has been maintained but not open to the public.

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development President and CEO Marc Baez said they have been working with the developer, and he thinks it will bring economic prosperity to Liberty. 

New terminal takes flight

The opening of the newly-revitalized Sullivan County International Airport terminal in Swan Lake was one of the year’s most visible infrastructure achievements. State and county officials gathered to celebrate the project, which was praised by NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez as “incredible and stunning.”

Funded through New York State’s Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, the airport was one of nine upstate facilities to receive a share of $230 million in funding. The modernized terminal features energy-efficient systems, redesigned interior spaces, and expansive windows showcasing the Catskill Mountains.

County leaders emphasized the airport’s role as a key economic driver, particularly for business aviation and tourism. With future possibilities ranging from increased corporate traffic to the return of air shows, officials expressed optimism that the upgraded terminal will help position Sullivan County as a growing regional destination.

Garnet lays off employees, seeks to join Montefiore

Garnet Health spent much of the year navigating financial headwinds that led to workforce reductions and service realignments. The health system announced a restructuring that impacted 42 employees—less than one percent of its total workforce—while discontinuing outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation and outpatient diabetes services due to consistent underutilization. Garnet also transitioned its Middletown trauma program from a Level II to a Level III designation, citing sustainability concerns amid shrinking federal reimbursements and anticipated Medicaid cuts.

Leadership emphasized that the changes were not performance-related but driven by financial realities facing hospitals nationwide. President and CEO Jonathan Schiller described the decisions as difficult but necessary to preserve long-term viability while minimizing patient impact.

Later in the year, Garnet Health announced plans to pursue an affiliation with Montefiore Health System, signing a Letter of Intent that leaders described as a strategic move toward stability and expanded access to advanced care. The proposed partnership, still subject to regulatory approval, marked a potential turning point in securing the region’s healthcare future.

Broadband Project breaks ground

Sullivan County’s Information Technology Services Commissioner Lorne Green played a major role in the development of this year’s $30M Archtop Fiber Broadband Project and characterized the internet speed that it will bring as “transformational” to almost 23,000 addresses in Sullivan County. The money to pay for this project was secured through a grant.

Construction on the county-wide infrastructure project began in October with the installation of 3.7 miles of conduit in Liberty and the marking of roads in Bloomingburg and Wurtsboro. 

Green said this is just phase one of a five-to-ten-year project. “We’re only covering about 55% of the county with this project, the remainder is going to come in the future. There is a limit to dollars, there’s a limit to what we had to work with, so we’re doing the best with what we’ve got available,” said Green.

President and CEO of Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development Marc Baez praised the broadband project. “I hope people understand what impact that’s going to make once that’s in place,” he said. “It’s going to be absolutely phenomenal, and the speed and acceleration and growth rate in certain energy sectors is really going to take off.”

SUNY Sullivan welcomes Dr. Potash

SUNY Sullivan formally inaugurated Dr. David Potash as its eighth president in October, celebrating the occasion with a ceremonial investiture attended by SUNY leadership, elected officials, faculty, students and community members. The ceremony highlighted the college’s mission of student success and regional engagement.

Potash, a nationally recognized higher education leader, outlined priorities including enrollment growth, fiscal stability, workforce development, and deeper community partnerships. SUNY officials praised his early impact and expressed confidence in his vision to strengthen the college’s role as an educational and economic anchor for Sullivan County.

Schiff Wins Sheriff

Sullivan County Sheriff Michael Schiff secured another term in office following the general election in November, despite facing a notable write-in challenge. Running uncontested on the Republican and Conservative lines, Schiff was challenged by former law enforcement officer Tim Dymond, who campaigned on a platform calling for change.

Final election results showed Schiff receiving 9,610 votes, with Dymond earning himself 4,343 votes. 

Schiff, who has served as sheriff since 2006, pledged to continue supporting the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office and improving operations across the county. Dymond conceded the race, thanking supporters and acknowledging the nearly 5,000 voters who wrote in his name.

Government shutdown puts strain on food assistance 

The Thanksgiving Holiday became a politicized event this year when a Congressional battle for an extension of healthcare subsidies shut down the government on October 1, resulting in the loss of federal services including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food to 42 million Americans, and the furloughing of approximately 1.4 million federal workers.

Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on October 30 in response to impending food assistance ceasing and announced $106 million in emergency food assistance funds which she said will support 40 million meals for New York’s food security network. The governor also deployed Empire State Service Corps and SUNY Corps Members to support local food banks during this emergency period of increased need. The support came as nearly three million New Yorkers were at risk of losing the food assistance they received from SNAP.

Local food pantries were the last line of defense against the increasing demand left by the potential lapse in SNAP benefits. According to A Single Bite, a local non-profit organization, there were 7,000 Sullivan County residents, including 4,700 children, who were at risk of losing food assistance if SNAP benefits lapsed. 

After 43 days, the shutdown ended on November 13, making it the longest shutdown in American history. SNAP benefits were restored but millions of recipients were poised to lose health insurance benefits in the years to come as a result of new work requirements and eligibility rules.

Chamber  CEO resigns

The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce experienced a leadership change when President and CEO Ashley Leavitt stepped down from her role for personal reasons, just over a year after her appointment in July 2024. The Chamber’s Board thanked Leavitt for her service and noted her contributions to the organization.

Chamber officials assured members that operations would continue uninterrupted, with staff, board members and contracted partners maintaining programs, events and member services. A search for a new President and CEO was launched as the Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the local business community.

Paula Elaine Kay Begins Tenure in the Assembly

January marked a major political transition for the 100th Assembly District when Paula Elaine Kay was sworn in as its new Assemblywoman. The ceremony at Thompson Town Hall drew a standing-room-only crowd of local officials, supporters, and residents, underscoring the significance of the moment.

Administered by Judge Anthony Kane, the oath formalized Kay’s succession of longtime Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther. In her inaugural remarks, Kay emphasized unity and bipartisanship, thanking supporters from across Sullivan County and reinforcing her message of “people over politics.”

Kay quickly outlined her legislative priorities, with public safety and bail reform at the forefront. She announced work on legislation developed alongside the district attorney’s office and the New York State Police to amend aspects of the state’s bail reform laws, aiming to balance fairness with community safety.

Beyond bail reform, Kay pointed to pressing local needs including housing, healthcare, and childcare shortages. She also stressed the importance of ongoing public engagement, encouraging constituents to remain involved throughout her term rather than only during election season.

Protests erupt in response to Trump administration

Hundreds rallied in Monticello in April for a “Hands Off” protest and again for the “No Kings” rally in June and October, marking a year of intensified pushback against President Donald Trump and his administration. 

The Hands Off! National Day of Action, a rally organized by We Are One, Sullivan County’s chapter of the progressive group Indivisible, was part of a nationwide protest, aimed to voice opposition against government cuts to essential services, including Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, veterans’ services and more.

A few months later, a crowd of several hundred people flooded the streets of Monticello, marching up and down Broadway with handmade signs, chants, and a single message: America will have ‘No Kings’.

The demonstration was part of a nationwide movement called No Kings, organized locally by We Are One Sullivan. Protesters gathered in the parking lot across from the county government center and marched through town.

Frito-Lay facility closes: Cautious  optimism for  reuse

The former PepsiCo/Frito-Lay facility in the Town of Liberty closed in February, displacing 287 workers at the plant. Its reuse remained a focal point of economic discussion throughout the year, as town officials worked to attract a new tenant to the vacant site. Town Supervisor Frank DeMayo confirmed that progress has been made, noting renewed interest from a potential developer.

DeMayo said an “interested party” has toured the building multiple times, with conversations now shifting from initial interest to technical evaluations. Engineers and higher-level decision-makers are reviewing whether the facility can meet the company’s operational requirements, signaling that talks have moved into a more serious phase.

The prospective tenant was identified as a manufacturer of hydrogen-powered buses, an emerging industry that could significantly impact the local economy. While no formal agreements have been signed, DeMayo described the situation as encouraging and said the town remains cautiously optimistic.

If the project moves forward, officials estimate the facility could employ between 250 and 500 workers. DeMayo noted that while the site’s food manufacturing past was valued, high-tech manufacturing could offer higher-paying jobs and long-term stability, adding that the town’s ultimate goal is simply to see the building occupied again.

Correction officers strike

A fierce battle erupted on February 17 when approximately 10,000 correction officers across the state, including officers at Sullivan County’s Woodbourne Correctional Facility, engaged in wildcat strikes to protest unsafe working conditions and staffing shortages. Governor Hochul called on the striking workers to return to their positions, but strikers held the line. Chief among the officers’ concerns was getting rid of the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement (HALT) Act, which they felt took away essential disciplinary tools like solitary confinement to quell unrest in the prisons. Officers were also protesting being forced to work overtime as a result of understaffing.

On February 20, the Legislature sent a letter to Governor Hochul and New York State Corrections Commissioner (NYSCC) Daniel Martuscello seeking their assistance in repealing the HALT Act and reinstituting 100 percent staffing levels in all state prisons. 

“The HALT Act has created unsafe working conditions for thousands of corrections officers across the State, leading directly to the [strike],” reads the letter. “The conditions in a prison are expectedly harsh for all, but the HALT Act has made conditions untenable…There is a common belief among corrections officers that inmates – particularly violent inmates – have the upper hand. This is a primary reason why officers are literally walking out of their jobs.”

After several failed arbitration stages and the deployment of National Guard troops, the strike finally ended on March 10, after 2,000 correction officers had been fired for their participation in the unsanctioned strike. 

Skinner’s Bridge comes tumbling down 

After years of disrepair and ultimately closure, the Skinner’s Falls Bridge was dismantled in April by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. 

The bridge, which spans the Delaware River from Cochecton, NY to Milanville, PA, had been closed to cars since 2019, and was deemed unsafe. 

A report from PennDOT in September said there is currently not enough funding to study a replacement bridge. 

The historic one-lane bridged opened in 1902. 

IN MEMORIAM

Michael Brooks

Former Sullivan County Legislator Michael Brooks passed away on March 30 at 66 years old. In the days following, Brooks was remembered lovingly by colleagues, friends and family members for his life of service and love of giving. 

His obituary, courtesy of Colonial Family of Funeral Homes, noted that Brooks not only lived the life of an exemplary civil servant as a twelve-year member of the Tri-Valley Central School Board with four years as president, a member of the Neversink Planning and Town boards in addition to his four-year tenure as Vice Chair of the County Legislature, but lived as a family man and good friend to many.

Susan Brown Otto

Susan Brown Otto, a prominent political figure, community advocate, and friendly, welcoming presence throughout Sullivan County, succumbed to advanced pancreatic cancer on November 16, leaving behind countless friendships and cherished memories from her active and generous life.

A part of many organizations and affiliations, she was the Town of Bethel tax collector as well as treasurer for the White Lake Fire District, committee member and past chair of the Town of Bethel Republican Committee, past secretary for the Sullivan County Republican Committee and past member of the Bethel Planning Board, and the Kenoza Lake columnist for this newspaper.

Doug Ketcham

Town of Bethel Constable Doug Ketcham passed away while on duty on January 13. Having served as a constable for 47 years, he was remembered for his love of Bethel, the community and his family. 

An outpouring of support from law enforcement from across the county could be seen during his funeral service later in January.