Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sullivan County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in public safety with critical priority
Sheriff's Office staffing crisis and contract dispute
The jail has 18 correction officer vacancies and patrol is down 6 deputies, including a school resource officer position being covered by overtime. A resident immediately raised how this will hit the overtime budget.
Kratom sales ban and synthetic drug concerns
Coroner Albee Bockman reported eight suicides in four months and pressed legislators to treat mental health as a priority. He also urged a county ban on Kratom sales, a substance sold at gas stations and smoke shops that other NY counties have already banned.
Plow driver staffing shortage
The county expects to be short staffed for plowing this winter and is meeting with DOT and the Ed Mall contractor about covering Route 97. Only one new CDL hire so far; two retirements add to roughly 17 DPW vacancies.
Adult Care Center transparency concerns
Public speakers said ACC staffing has deteriorated, with half the staff from temp agencies via Infinite Care, and alleged the county-employed director of nursing was replaced by an interim director from Infinite Care's agency in violation of the county's contract.
Quick Response Team funding cliff
The countywide Quick Response Team has done roughly 526 outreach visits and placed 43 people into treatment, and fatal overdoses are down more than 50% since 2020. But if opioid settlement funding isn't approved by October 1, the program shuts down.