2019 Ulster County Budget

As I sign the 2019 Ulster County Budget, I want to emphasize how extraordinarily proud I am of the accomplishment this budget represents for the hardworking taxpayers of Ulster County. The 2019 Ulster County budget delivers the lowest County property taxes since all the way back in 2009, when I first took office, while also providing the most socially-responsible budget in Ulster County’s history. This achievement may seem almost inconceivable in today’s day and age, however, the fact that we have been able to make it a reality has resulted in incredible benefits for our residents and our overall economy. 

As the County Executive I have always believed that responsibly managing the County’s finances is one of my highest duties, but it is also true that providing caring leadership focused on our collective humanity is ultimately what makes this government so unique. That is why I am so proud that by embracing innovation and meaningful reforms, we continue to ensure greater access to more services than ever before for the amazing people of Ulster County. In fact, in the areas of social justice, environmental protection and so many more, Ulster County has truly become a statewide model.

Our Restorative Justice and Community Empowerment Center is a first of its kind in New York State, and through funding in the 2019 budget it will soon lead the way in creating positive change in the lives of countless at-risk youth, their families and so many others. And as part of our Brighter Futures Initiative, it will also be pivotal to our mission of positively impacting the national tragedy of generational poverty at the local level.

In addition, as we strive to help individuals and families suffering through the horrific opioid crisis gripping our country, this budget further expands our commitment to enhanced treatment and prevention efforts as well as public awareness of a new statewide law that we helped spearhead to remove unwanted drugs from our streets.

And as we face potentially catastrophic climate change issues, our ongoing leadership and budgetary focus on responsible environmental initiatives at the local level will continue to ensure Ulster County’s position at the forefront of these issues nationally.

Our County tourism investments in 2019 positions us to continue our recent record-setting results, which exceed even much larger counties.

In 2019, we will continue reinventing our public transportation system with dramatic technology upgrades, a bus system merger with the City of Kingston, and now free fares for all Veterans, SUNY Ulster students, and all rides for everyone within Kingston during the six-month transition period.

And last but not least, our multi-year, $70 million investment in infrastructure will continue transforming our roads, bridges and trails, making them safer and better than ever before for residents and visitors alike.

So, as the County Executive, I want to personally thank the Ulster County Legislature for their shared fiscal discipline in avoiding the lure of political revenue projections over those rooted in sound budgetary practices, as well as their continued support of my proposed Executive Budgets. In fact, by working together, I’m proud that our proposed budgets have been adopted in bipartisan votes, with changes totaling less than one-tenth of one percent, for the tenth straight year.

These budgets are tangible representations of our values, and that is why I am so pleased that we have together delivered the most socially-responsible budget in Ulster County’s history, while still lowering County property taxes for the seventh year in a row, to the lowest level in a decade.

Sincerly,


Michael P. Hein
Ulster County Executive