Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sullivan County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in business jobs
Mortgage recording tax increase and IDA exemptions
The county wants to double the mortgage recording tax from 25 to 50 cents per $100, worth roughly $850,000 to $1 million a year. It passed 4-1.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Programs
Sullivan West's FFA program, which sent its first state champion to nationals, credited county Youth Bureau funding for making leadership programs affordable — and legislators offered to explore additional youth programming support.
I Love New York tourism matching funds application
Sullivan Catskills was ranked the #4 DMO in the country and won a rare platinum state tourism award for the county-backed grant program. A new story-driven video campaign aims to lift hotel occupancy, which sat at just 40% in July.
Countywide community calendar
Fresh off a Bagel Festival that drew an estimated 20,000 people, the Chamber wants to build a countywide community calendar that generates revenue and a Local Business Alliance uniting chambers and business groups countywide.
Workforce development programs
The summer youth program has 84 applicants, CDL training graduates are almost all employed, and disability employment services are being expanded — good news for families and job seekers.
Tourism recovery and lodging tax outlook
Tourism bookings are up year over year, but actual occupancy is still low — about 19% in June and just 5% in September — leaving lots of room to grow the summer economy. Bethel Woods concerts, especially Billy Strings, are the biggest booking driver.
SUNY Sullivan student internship program for the legislature
A resolution to partner with SUNY Sullivan was pulled and will return as a permanent work-study program placing students in county government roles.
Small-business pressures
The Chamber reported that local businesses are squeezed by combined costs — wages, insurance, workers' comp, utilities, taxes — and need infrastructure, workforce housing, childcare and streamlined processes to survive and grow.
Direct Support Professional micro-credential program
A free, grant-funded program at SUNY Sullivan trains direct support professionals who care for people with disabilities — 24 free college credits, a $750 stipend per tier, and national certificates. It has more than doubled in size in a year and works with local employers like New Hope and the Center for Discovery.
Visitor center location and visibility
The committee debated whether the Liberty visitor center is where tourists actually need it, given most visitors enter via Route 17 through Mamakating/Thompson. Ideas floated included highway signage, kiosks, mobile units and a possible Rock Hill location.
Future AI Labs youth technology program
The county ran its first AI and web development camp for local teens and interns, themed around Juneteenth, funded in part by Legislator Amanda Ward's discretionary money. Students built their own websites and the winner took home $500.
County airport as an economic engine
Committee members called the upgraded airport a 'hidden jewel' and want to pursue grants and marketing to attract more general aviation traffic, hangar construction and Bethel Woods performers flying in directly.
County branding: hand sign vs. Woodstock heritage
A public commenter argued the county's new hand-sign branding abandons the Woodstock legacy that put Sullivan County on the map, and questioned the Visitors Association's contract deliverables and board structure.
CDL training subsidy underused
The county can currently pay full tuition for CDL students — up to all four or five slots per class — but few people are applying. Legislators want to get the word out to help fix the driver shortage.