Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sullivan County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in environment
Failing drainage system on County Road 102
The county wants to fix a failing drainage system on County Road 102 now, before paving next year, so it doesn't dig up fresh pavement later. A modification agreement with Sullivan County Paving for ~$400,000 was forwarded to the Legislature.
Landfill operations and waste-to-energy exploration
Tonnage is up 35% since the solid waste fee change, pushing the landfill toward its 800-ton daily permit cap — hitting that number means closing the gate. The county hopes new rates protect margins while keeping tonnage flowing.
2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan
The state has approved the county's updated hazard mitigation plan and it's now with FEMA; adopting it keeps the county eligible for hazard mitigation grants. It must be formally re-adopted every five years.
Food insecurity and Single Bite partnership
Fewer people are applying for food stamps even as pantry demand rises — officials think confusing program changes are keeping eligible people from applying. The county is tracking this as a red flag.
Agricultural District 4 additions and public hearing
The committee advanced resolutions adding parcels and viable farmland to existing Certified Agricultural Districts, which protects farmland and supports county agriculture. A quiet year with few parcels and no negative comments received.
Solid waste fee increase delayed to 2027
Haulers asked that the already-approved fee hike wait until January 1, 2027, so customers' annual contracts aren't hit mid-cycle. Meanwhile, tonnage is at record levels and cardboard volume is up 20%.
Flow Control Ordinance penalties increase
The board amended its solid waste rules with new fees effective October 1, 2026, and scheduled a July 23 public hearing on a flow control local law that would direct waste to county facilities.
Failing cardboard baler at recycling facility
The landfill's old baler keeps breaking down and can't be fixed economically. A new one costs about $300,000 but would let the county bale cardboard and roughly double its resale price — legislators agreed to move forward on it.
Climate Smart Communities recertification
The county's solar array and hydroelectric contracts saved over $216,000 in 2025 by locking in rates around 7 to 9.5 cents per kilowatt hour while grid prices run about 35 cents.
Deal Homestead Farm farmland preservation grant
Sullivan County, working with the Orange County Land Trust, received a $637,875 grant to protect the 140-acre Deal Homestead Farm, a family farm operating since the 1800s. More funding remains available, and the county plans to solicit other interested farms.
Cemetery capacity and green burial interest
The county is clearing land behind the flagpole for new burial plots because the cemetery is nearly full. Residents have also asked about adding a green burial section, which the director will explore with DPW.
Hudson Valley Community Protection Act
The bill passed both state chambers and sits on the Governor's desk — it would let towns protect critical environmental areas and farmland. Residents can urge the Governor to sign it.
Upper Delaware Council funding
The legislature added $2,000 to the Upper Delaware Council — which oversees the Delaware River with the DRBC, Park Service and Pennsylvania towns — for a litter sweep, following a $100,000 state line item secured by Assemblywoman Paula Kay.
2026 countywide Litter Pluck Event
The annual roadside cleanup runs April 1 through October 31 and pulled more than 500 pounds of garbage off county roads last year. The county covers tipping fees and provides bags and disposal coupons to volunteers.