Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sullivan County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues with medium priority
Budget document readability and transparency
A resident called out budget document pages that are impossible to read — tiny type, portrait-format org charts, unreadable tables — and asked legislators to require corrected, revised versions posted online ASAP.
Youth Bureau funding contract dates
State OCFS funding for youth programs was advanced unanimously, with a warning that these preventative programs need protection during the tough budget season ahead.
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.
Resort Facilities LDC dissolution
The IDA filed dissolution paperwork for the Resort Facilities LDC with the Attorney General's office. Officials emphasized no public money was spent on the failed casino-bond effort — all costs were Resorts World's.
Fort Delaware Museum operations agreement
The committee will consider an agreement with The Delaware Company to keep Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History running and to provide programming and events at Minisink Battleground Park. It's about keeping a historic site open and active for visitors and locals.
Office for the Aging resolution amendments
The Office for the Aging delivered thousands of meals, rides, and benefits applications in March, and the committee moved its annual plan update to the full Legislature. Volunteers are needed for the food security coalition, and a new senior volunteer recruitment campaign is launching.
Fire Loss Investigation and Community Risk Reduction Grant
The county wants to tap a three-year state grant program for fire investigation and community risk reduction work. Accepting the award could expand fire prevention and investigation capacity without local dollars.
Broadband Expansion Update
Sullivan County is giving a public update on its broadband expansion in Narrowsburg on Nov. 5. If your home internet is spotty, this is a chance to hear what’s planned and when. The source doesn’t include funding or timeline details yet.
Opioid settlement fund spending
The committee advanced two resolutions adopting the 2026-2027 opioid settlement spending plan and made the public safety wellness coordinator full-time using those funds.
County investigation services spending oversight
Members clashed over an open-ended agreement for outside investigations, calling it a blank check, before capping one pending case at $50,000 and promising a deeper policy review next month — including how much has been spent and whether investigations should be in person.
Human Rights Commission activity
Commission Co-Chair Margaret Gans defended the commission against claims it's been 'weaponized,' explaining only the executive director handles complaints — commissioners never see them. The committee also advanced a lease for new commission office space on High Street in Monticello.
Mobile Home Park Management
Sullivan County’s troubled mobile home park could soon get a temporary manager, a move that matters for residents living with bad conditions. If you care about housing oversight or live nearby, this is one to watch.