Sullivan County Legislature Passes 2025 Budget

After a record seven hour session, Sullivan County Legislators approved the 2025 Budget, which includes a 2.5% tax levy increase. The budget passed with an 8-1 vote, with District 9 Legislator Terry Blosser-Bernardo opposed. The budget includes funding for several key initiatives, including $21.6 million for road and bridgework, $2.7 million for the EMS fly car system, and $2 million for a Housing Trust Fund to address the housing crisis. Other significant expenditures include $2 million for the design and renovation of County office spaces, $500,000 for the Sullivan Promise Scholarship Program, and $494,000 for community nonprofits through the Discretionary Funding Program.Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz expressed relief at the budget's passage but noted that some departments were not treated fairly. She highlighted the 5% raise for most management/confidential employees and expressed hope for comparable increases for union employees in the coming year.Several other legislators echoed the sentiment of continued work ahead. District 1 Legislator Matthew McPhillips emphasized the need to address concerns raised by employees and the public, while District 3 Legislator Brian McPhillips highlighted the budget's focus on maintaining and improving services without significantly impacting taxpayers.Despite concerns, the budget was ultimately approved, with many legislators highlighting specific initiatives they were pleased to support. District 6 Legislator Luis Alvarez, a strong advocate for the EMS fly car system, praised its lifesaving success. District 8 Legislator Amanda Ward, a first-time legislator, expressed her pride in the budget, stating that it "does right by the people we serve and the phenomenal staff we employ."The full details of the adopted budget will be made available on the Sullivan County website at www.sullivanny.us. Sullivan County Government Communications Director Dan Hust appeared on Radio Chatskill to discuss the details.