Ulster lawmakers adopt 2023 county budget

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KINGSTON – By a vote of 20 to two, the Ulster County Legislature approved the more than $378 million county budget for 2023.

The approval came after two hours of votes on amendments, some with debate, but most without discussion for the benefit of the public.

Lawmaker Ken Ronk cautioned that spending must be kept in check going forward.

Legislator Joseph Maloney had a warning for his colleagues.

“Noah built the ark before the rain. We don’t have a lot of specifics. We have too many plates in the air with a lot of these projects. We have not looked inward on this budget whatsoever,” he said. “If we keep passing unanimous budgets, I think that kind of wishful thinking going on and not looking back, not really tightening our belt, not doing what they do in the private sector to ensure sustainability, I think it’s a mistake and when it starts raining it’s too late, and I think the rain is coming.”

Following the budget vote, acting County Executive Johanna Contreras said it “will allow Ulster County to hire critically needed additional front-line staff to meet increasing demands on our emergency management, social services, environmental health, mental health, aging and public safety services.”

She said the county’s “strong financial position allows us to make these investments toward our county’s well-being, while providing the largest property tax decrease in 40 years.”




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