MONTICELLO, NY — The tentative Sullivan County budget, unveiled on November 13 contains a tax increase of 1.59 percent, which keeps it well below the Albany–mandated two percent property tax cap. The $233,129,442 budget is about $1 million less in spending than the 2019 budget, but according to county manager Josh Potosek the budget provides for programs and initiatives that are important to voters.

“As proposed by my office, the 2020 tentative Sullivan County budget invests in what’s important to our residents: public transportation, broadband connectivity, sustainable living, cost-effective government, economic development and recreational opportunities,” Potosek said. “At the same time, however, it does not burden taxpayers with excessive and unaffordable tax hikes.”
A press release from the county outlines some of the highlights:

$6.6 million for road and bridgework throughout the county

$450,000 to purchase two buses and expand the service for Move Sullivan

$300,000 for local towns and villages to demolish unsafe structures via our Removing Unsafe Structures Program

$300,000 for the Legislature’s Discretionary Funds Program, assisting deserving nonprofits and community groups

$227,008 to complete a new Delaware River access point in Barryville

$200,000 to build a tower in Monticello in anticipation of expanding the broadband wireless pilot program (testing to commence in 2020)

$70,000 for trail enhancements along the former O&W railbed and at Lake Superior

$24,000 to purchase and install electric vehicle charging stations at county facilities

$10,000 to develop an energy code training program to bring local officials—especially building inspectors and code enforcement officers—up to speed on rapidly changing “green energy” technologies for residences and businesses
Funding to add seven new staff members to the Care Center at Sunset Lake

A plan to restructure key divisions of county government

County legislators will now review the budget, and perhaps propose changes. The budget must be adopted by December 20. There will be two public hearings on the budget; one will be held December 3 at 5:30 p.m. and another on December 5 at 8:45 a.m. The meetings will be held in the hearing room of the Sullivan County Government Center.