Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clinton County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
25 issues with medium priority
Eviction prevention and Code Blue shelter funding
New state grant accounts were set up for the SAEF eviction-forestallment program and the Code Blue cold-weather shelter — help for renters behind on rent and people needing warmth on deadly cold nights.
$2 million state award for Interstate 87 exits 38-39
Chair Mark Henry announced the state awarded $2 million for Interstate work between exits 38 and 39 in the Town of Plattsburgh, part of $11.6 million for the North Country region — good news for commuters and freight.
Guide Board Road culvert replacement
Bids will be sought to replace the Guide Board Road culvert over Middle Brook, and an engineering contract moves the Du Bois Webb Road bridge rehab forward. Bridge NY and federal/state aid may reimburse costs.
Recognition of Geri Favreau and America 250th
The county's American 250 commemoration wraps up October 9-11 with free events, including a reenactment of the Battle of Valcour Island at Plattsburgh City Beach with replica boats. Over 3,200 history books went to local fourth- and fifth-graders, and 923 students are signed up for a Native North American cultural program.
Highway Salt Reduction and CR 1 Bridge Funding
The county is pursuing a salt-reduction environmental grant and authorized about $3.36 million in federal and state aid for replacing the Standish Road bridge over the Saranac River on County Route 1. Town highway officials also flagged rising snow-and-removal costs as contract talks approach.
Public Safety and Victims Services Grants
A bundle of budget resolutions set up or adjusted grant funding for the District Attorney's victim-witness work and five Sheriff's Department traffic-safety programs.
Public Transit Capital Grant
The county is applying for and accepting the 2026 Round Accelerated Transit Capital Grant for Clinton County Public Transit, keeping federal money flowing to bus operations.
Workforce Housing Funding for County Projects
About $5 million remains available in regional workforce-housing funding, and it may line up with two apartment-building projects under consideration in Clinton County.
Corrections Officers Labor Contract
Contract negotiations with correction officers are underway — two meetings in, with two more scheduled, and things appear to be going well.
County transit partnership with Clinton Community College
A formal agreement lets CCC students ride Clinton County Public Transit, and spare transit equipment is being transferred to the airport.
Ausable Valley Central School District Funding Resolution
The county is formally urging New York State to provide fairer, more sustainable funding for the Central School District.
Sand Road Water District progress
The Morrisonville Elementary School site covers 80% of the needed service area for the new pump station, but the water line must cross school property. The Saranac school board heard the county's presentation and is weighing an easement, with compensation likely requested.
Disposable vape waste and illegal nicotine products
The Board of Health heard a presentation on a county-issued retail permit for tobacco and flavored nicotine products, aimed at curbing illegal sales and lost tax revenue; its budget has been sent to the county administrator.
Zone 9 Police Academy Launch
The county's police academy partnership officially launched at a signing ceremony attended by the state Labor Commissioner, a workforce-development win for local public safety staffing.
2027 Budget Process Begins
Department budgets are due September 1, and a countywide strategic plan framework will go to the Finance Committee in September or October.
UMS Property LLC PILOT Agreement
The Legislature signed off on tax-break terms for the UMS Property project through the county IDA, including a host community agreement with the Peru Central School District.
Advance Purchase of 2027 Snow Trucks
The highway superintendent found 2027 truck prices will jump about $40,000 each, so the county is ordering two trucks now to save roughly $80,000 — beating an August 21 dealer deadline.
Military Turnpike Extension Bridge rehabilitation
The board approved an engineering services agreement with Stantec to design the rehabilitation of the Military Turnpike Extension Bridge over the Saranac River.
CSEA labor agreement approved
Lawmakers signed off on a new agreement with the CSEA union covering two Clinton County bargaining units, after a brief executive session.
Landfill leachate pretreatment grant withdrawn
A resolution seeking a state Water Quality Improvement Project grant for the landfill leachate pretreatment plant was pulled from the agenda, though it may return.
Veterans peer-to-peer support program
A Dwyer grant will fund a peer-to-peer support program through the Veteran Service Agency, with matching county appropriation.
Deputy coroner coverage
The county will contract with a deputy coroner so someone always responds when the appointed coroner is out of the country or unavailable. Legislators made sure it won't add costs right now.
Anti-harassment policy update
The county tightened its workplace non-discrimination and sexual harassment prevention policy based on its PREA coordinator's recommendations.
Overdose intervention grant acceptance
The county accepted a New York State grant to fund overdose intervention work through its mental health and addiction services office.
Withdrawn voting machine purchase
A plan to buy nine new Dominion voting machines was pulled before the vote after committee discussion — the county's ballot scanners replacement is on hold for now.