Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Greene County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in taxes budget
2027 food and supplies procurement for senior services and Sheriff's Department
The county needs to buy food, paper goods and disposables for the Aging unit and the Sheriff's Department during 2027, which starts with a public bid advertisement. Bids will be opened and read publicly under state law.
Commissioner of Social Services contract-signing authority for 2027
The Legislature is asked to renew the Social Services Commissioner's standing authority to sign court-ordered and mandated contracts and MOUs without a separate vote on each one. It's a yearly formality that keeps the county in compliance with federal and state obligations.
Public Health and Mental Health service agreements
The county's addiction treatment contractor is merging with the Addictions Care Center of Albany. Services continue unchanged under the Twin County name, and the committee advanced the contract transfer unanimously.
Calls for property tax levy reduction
Resident Joe Izzo argued the county's $102 million fund balance, $150 million in cumulative surpluses and growing sales tax mean the county should cut the levy, not just hold it flat — especially for seniors and fixed-income residents.
2027 County Budget Hearing Set
The county will hold its public hearing on the tentative 2027 budget October 28 at Catskill High School — your chance to weigh in before the budget is finalized.
Countywide HVAC procurement
The county is starting the process to buy HVAC products competitively — equipment, components, and related materials. Bids haven't been received yet; this vote just authorizes advertising for them.
2024 In Rem Tax Foreclosure Sales
The county is moving ahead with the 2024 tax foreclosure: owners get one last chance to redeem or repurchase their properties before the November 17 deadline, then the rest go to public auction.
Proposed Hudson Valley Power Authority and Central Hudson electricity costs
Central Hudson is offering to fund utility feasibility studies for development sites like Cementon, saving the county those costs — though Legislator Hobart questioned whether letting the utility do the study is a conflict of interest. A formal MOU could come next month.
2026 Equalization Rates for County Towns
The committee advanced resolution 356-26 setting the state-mandated equalization rates for all 14 towns — these rates let the state compare property values across towns and factor into school aid and tax calculations.
Senior & Disability Property Tax Exemption Income Limits
The county is weighing an increase to the income cap for senior and disabled property tax exemptions — from $37,000 to $38,500 for a full 50% exemption, sliding up to $46,899.99. It's tied to the 3.6% Social Security cost-of-living bump so existing recipients don't lose their break. A public hearing is planned for December.
Delinquent Property Taxes Rising
Collections on $10.5 million in delinquent taxes are running about $2 million behind last year, which the Treasurer attributes to economic stress — a warning sign for county and town finances.
Capital OTB Revenue Legislation Support
The county wants the state to hand unclaimed OTB winnings and pari-mutuel taxes back to local counties instead of letting them sit with the Comptroller — worth an estimated $20,000-$40,000 a year to Greene County.