Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sullivan County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues with critical priority
Adult Care Center at Sunset Lake closure
Speakers slammed the county over the nursing home closure — residents being transferred far away, belongings packed in garbage bags, and alleged pressure on families. Chairwoman Rajsz assured families there's no deadline to place a loved one, and the committee approved paying the facility's 2025 school taxes.
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.
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.
Adult Care Center closure fallout
A commenter argued the DOH 'gag order' from the Care Center consulting deal never bound legislators, and asked the county to spell out exactly how much the proposed closure would change the projected tax increase.
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.
2026 Budget and Sales Tax Projections
The county's outside auditor reported the county spent $11 million more than it took in last year, partly from a $5 million sales tax drop. Social services costs jumped over 50% in five years, and auditors warned the squeeze will continue — a key factor heading into next year's budget and likely property tax discussions.
Childcare subsidy program reopening
The county's child care subsidy program, which closed in 2025 when funds ran out, reopens mid-September with about $6 million allocated starting October 1. Families must apply themselves on a first-come, first-served basis — online, by fax, email or in person. Legislators pressed for clear communication so nobody misses out.
Homelessness reduction and rental supplement program
Martin Colavito reported homelessness up over 30% and urged the county to pursue the Gateway housing project again. Legislator McPhillips countered that the county is working on a wraparound-services facility rather than a 20-bed shelter, with work underway on a site.
Projected 25%+ county tax increase
The county enacted a local law letting itself spend above the state's 2% property tax cap. The driving forces are soaring pension and health insurance costs, so residents could see higher county property taxes in the next budget.
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.
Child care program shutdown and funding dispute
The county's childcare assistance program is closed pending state funding, leaving families without help and costing the county roughly $2 million — a gap staff said the county cannot absorb until the state guarantees reimbursement.