August 18, 2026 Legislative Session

The Ulster County Legislature held its regular session on August 18, 2026. The meeting included three public hearings on community development block grant funding and local laws related to real property tax exemptions, all of which had no public speakers and were subsequently adjourned. A significant portion of the session focused on resolutions, including the adoption of a countywide policy for a lethality assessment program to improve domestic violence response, and a bond resolution authorizing $100,000 for right-of-way acquisition and design work for the Tongore Bridge replacement project. Additionally, the legislature passed a local law providing a 50% county property tax exemption for income-qualified families purchasing homes through nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity, marking Ulster County as the first in New York State to opt into this tax law. The meeting also featured a presentation on the Empower Kingston green jobs program funded by ARPA, highlighting workforce development in clean energy. Public comments addressed housing concerns, particularly regarding the Kingston Motel. The session concluded with recognition of Senior Citizens Month and reflections on the importance of supporting the elderly community.