Two matters garnered the most attention. First, a report by Assistant Majority Leader Michael Polasek regarding the Hudson Valley Regional Council, of which he is a member. He explained that the Council is composed of representatives from 7 counties in the region; its mission is to facilitate the obtaining of grants for the counties’ various municipalities. Legislator Polasek made the point that the Council’s efforts on behalf of the counties were well worth the cost of membership ($17,000 for Dutchess County). Using figures from mid-2023 to mid-2025, he represented that the Council had facilitated the receipt of $1.2 million in grant funding and technical assistance for the county.
The second involved non-consent Resolution (# 13) seeking Home Rule legislation from the State authorizing an extension of the County’s current sales tax rate. The Resolution included language to the effect that the need for the requested extension was to fund state mandates. Some legislators sought clarification as to which mandates were at issue, since several mandates came from the federal government as well as the state. After obtaining assurance from Chair Truitt that he would get and provide the answer and identify the particular mandates, breaking into caucuses for discussion, and the unanimous approval of an amendment proffered by Legislator Atkins striking and amending a “Whereas” clause in the Resolution to more general language referring to the county’s obligation to fund “financial mandates that severely strain the county’s resources and are likely to continue”, the Legislature voted to approve the Resolution (with one legislator dissenting).
Seven other Resolutions on the consent agenda passed unanimously: (#5) authorizing funding under the Trade Adjustment Act; (# 6) confirming reappointment to the County Board of Ethics; (#7) appointment of William Beale as Acting Commission of Emergency Response; (# 8) authorizing acquisition from Cablevision in connection with an improvement project on Middle Bush Rd. in Wappingers; (#9) authorizing the County Executive to submit Section 5339 grant applications to and the accept funding from state funds and amending the 2025 budget regarding Public Works, Transportation Division; (# 11) correcting errors on tax rolls; (#12) delegation of authority with respect to certain tax refunds.
Legislator Atkins made requests for updates and letters sent to the State regarding warming shelters, the shelter at 26 Oakley Street in Poughkeepsie, and an incident involving an inmate at Greenhaven Correctional Facility.
One member of the public, Thea Burgess, addressed the Legislature regarding the funding that was received for Historic Red Hook. She reported a lot of enthusiasm and ongoing discussions around planned projects.
Finally, condolences were offered for three people – Donald T. Bartles, Jr., who worked for the County Highway Department and was a veteran; Karen Simmons, who worked for the Health Department, and a life-long police officer in City of Poughkeepsie, Luis Gencosa.