MONTICELLO – Sullivan County legislators advanced a slate of resolutions in committee Tuesday, clearing them for consideration by the full Legislature. Committee approval reflects subject-matter review and recommendation, but final action will occur at a future meeting of the full Legislature.

Human Resources Committee advances safety policy, contract changes, staffing resolution

The Human Resources Committee approved three resolutions, including adoption of a formal respiratory protection policy, amendments to a workplace safety services contract, and elimination of a Department of Social Services position.

The committee unanimously adopted a countywide respiratory protection policy required under federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. Although respirators were already in use in some departments, officials said no written policy previously existed.

The policy formalizes medical evaluations, fit testing, and program oversight. The county will continue working with Partners in Safety, which provides annual testing services.

A second resolution amended the county’s agreement with Partners in Safety, updating fees and expanding coverage to include Public Health in addition to Risk Management and Public Works.

The committee also abolished a DSS position tied to restructuring of CATCH and CARA grant funding, allowing public health nurses to bill directly for services to eligible mothers.

All resolutions advance to the full Legislature.

Management & Budget Committee reviews finances, tax administration, IT projects

The Management & Budget Committee heard four presentations and advanced multiple fiscal resolutions addressing budget planning, tax administration, audit controls, and technology initiatives.

Anna-Marie Novello, director of the Division of Management & Budget, outlined year-end processes and the timeline for the 2027 operating budget and 2027–2032 capital plan. Departments will receive budget instructions in March, with a tentative budget due Nov. 1 and adoption scheduled for December.

Novello said her office continues monitoring financial data amid a reported 5.4 percent sales tax decline and noted that current budget modifications include no new recurring expenses or unbudgeted positions.

Chris Knapp, director of Real Property Tax Services, reviewed tax corrections and denials of error after confirming assessment accuracy. He also addressed prior-year billing corrections and noted that Jennifer Moore assists the office with tax administration matters.

The committee advanced a resolution related to Audit & Control software supporting county operations. Officials said the base software carries no cost, with funding authorized only as a contingency if customized dashboard features are later requested.

Information Technology Services reported that electronic billing for landfill haulers through WasteWorks has completed its first full billing cycle. Officials also said approximately 45 miles of broadband conduit—18.5 percent of the planned total—have been installed.

Resolutions including budget modifications, capital account closures, fund balance allocations, and tax actions advance to the full Legislature.

Public Works Committee reviews winter operations, infrastructure, solid waste

The Public Works Committee heard updates on winter operations, highway and bridge projects, solid waste management, and county facilities, approving all resolutions on its agenda.

Ed McAndrew reported adequate salt supplies this winter, including assistance to municipalities when needed. Sand-salt mixtures were used during extreme cold, requiring additional spring cleanup. He outlined upcoming paving, crack sealing, guide rail, and bridge work and noted staffing challenges following a retirement.

Mark Witkowski reported landfill tonnage is down about 17 percent, reducing payments to Seneca Meadows by roughly $1.6 million. Solid waste revenue declined approximately $450,000, though pricing adjustments helped stabilize finances. Witkowski also noted staffing shortages at the facility, with additional retirements expected, creating operational strain.

Ryan Brown discussed renovations at Family Services, Human Resources, and the DMV, along with airport maintenance and Government Center elevator repairs.

Roman DiCio reviewed plans for the upcoming bridge construction season and federally funded projects.

All resolutions advance to the full Legislature.

Health & Human Services Committee approves funding adjustments, board appointment

The Health & Human Services Committee approved multiple resolutions and heard reports on child care funding, housing stability, public health, and domestic violence services.

A $3,500 adjustment was approved to close out the county’s Child Care Council contract. Health & Human Services Commissioner John Liddle said, “The amount is $3,500, and that is to help them complete the wrap-up of that contract. The system has changed so dramatically over the past two years that we’re closing that out.”

Legislators also appointed Lisa Stivers, associated with Rehabilitation Support Services, to the Community Services Board.

An interdepartmental agreement was updated to allow public health nurses to conduct personal care assessments. Liddle said, “DSS is required to do those assessments, but we’re not medical professionals, so we need nursing to complete that work.”

The committee approved a state-authorized rate increase for Together for Youth, from $740 to $850 per day, and accepted $192,000 in homelessness prevention funding covering October 2024 through September 2026.

Liddle warned that child care assistance funding may not last through the year. “At the pace we’re going, our funding will not make it to October,” he said. He added that the department is “cautiously optimistic” about the governor’s proposal, which includes $600 million in base funding and $155 million supplemental statewide, noting, “We don’t yet know what that allocation is going to look like at the county level.”

All resolutions advance to the full Legislature.