July 17, 2026 Legislative Session

The Ulster County Legislature held a legislative session on July 17, 2026, with extensive public commentary and multiple resolutions considered. A major focus was the proposed home rule request to authorize Ulster County to impose a resident income tax surcharge, aimed at addressing budget shortfalls caused by federal funding cuts to programs like Medicaid and SNAP. The legislature debated the proposal thoroughly, with concerns raised about its impact on small businesses, economic growth, and the need for more public engagement and data transparency. Despite opposition, the home rule request passed 15 to 8, allowing the county to begin the process with the state legislature. Additionally, the legislature approved several capital projects, including a $6.6 million bond for the Ulster County pool upgrade and contracts totaling millions for public works projects. Other resolutions included amendments to agricultural districts, community college budget approval, and funding allocations for highway salt and district attorney recruitment. The session also featured recognition of community members and public comments on various local issues.