Greene County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Greene County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Agricultural District 124 Inclusion Requests
The county is adopting the state's Short Environmental Assessment Form for changes to agricultural districts, making SEQRA review faster and less duplicative. The legislature will serve as lead agency under a cooperative agreement with the state.
Public Health and Mental Health service agreements
The county's addiction treatment contractor is merging with the Addictions Care Center of Albany. Services continue unchanged under the Twin County name, and the committee advanced the contract transfer unanimously.
Election Results
The 2026 midterm results are in for Greene County, but the source only flags that winners are set and there are county-level implications—not the details. If you care about local services, budgets, or representation, the real impact will depend on what the newly elected officials do next.
Rapid Hepatitis C testing capability
Public Health proposed buying a machine that can detect active Hepatitis C from a fingerstick in about an hour, letting patients get tested and linked to treatment in one visit. The $26,407 cost is covered entirely by a state grant.
2027 STOP-DWI Plan
The county's annual plan for drunk-driving prevention and enforcement was up for committee review before going to the state. It underwrites local DUI patrols, education, and safety programs for the coming year.
Sheriff's Authority to Execute Mandated Contracts
The Legislature approved a contract for speech services for preschoolers with disabilities, required by state education law — with Bulich dissenting.
Calls for property tax levy reduction
Resident Joe Izzo argued the county's $102 million fund balance, $150 million in cumulative surpluses and growing sales tax mean the county should cut the levy, not just hold it flat — especially for seniors and fixed-income residents.
2026 Equalization Rates for County Towns
The committee advanced resolution 356-26 setting the state-mandated equalization rates for all 14 towns — these rates let the state compare property values across towns and factor into school aid and tax calculations.
Windham Transfer Station improvements
The new maintenance building and scale house in Catskill just reached substantial completion and staff are moving in. Windham's transfer station construction has begun, with a temporary drop-off area open and Hunter's station adding a day to absorb the extra volume.
Veterans Memorial Expansion at Catskill Point
A new 5-by-12-foot monument wall with bronze plaques for all six military branches, donor pavers and landscaping is coming to the Historic Catskill Point. It's funded by an endowment and brick sales rather than new taxes, and should be done by May 2027.
Court-ordered competency evaluation services
The county Mental Health Department needed a licensed psychologist for court-ordered competency-to-stand-trial evaluations. The committee advanced a contract with Blue Line Psychological at $250 an hour, capped at four hours a month through 2026.
Public Health advisory committee appointment
Erin Hedges, the county's Supervising Public Health Nurse, was nominated to the Public Health Department's Medical Professional Advisory Committee.