November

The purpose of this presentation is to provide an opportunity for individuals to become acquainted with the proposed project. At the meeting individuals will be given the opportunity to ask questions and present oral and/or written comments about the project. Written comments will become part of the project record. In addition, project representatives will be available after the formal presentation to meet with individuals one-on-one to discuss details of the project.

This bridge replacement project is scheduled to be completed in 2026. In addition to the replacement of the bridge, the construction will include replacement of the approach roadway pavement and guide rail. The goals of the project are to replace the existing deteriorated structure, improve hydraulic resiliency, and provide adequate aquatic organism passage at the crossing. Most of the project costs will be reimbursed by the State and Federal governments.

This public informational meeting is part of the continuing efforts by Saratoga County and the New York State Department of Transportation to encourage public input into the development of transportation projects.

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Additional information:

• Saratoga County Office of Emergency Management is in continual contact with the National Weather Service in Albany.

• Smoke can travel significant distances, carried by winds, leading to hazy conditions and a lingering scent of burning vegetation.

• It is recommended that residents keep windows and doors closed to minimize exposure and for those with respiratory issues to stay indoors.

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This important program helps many seniors, age 60 and older, remain independent in their homes by providing them with a nutritious ready-to-eat lunch each weekday.

“Volunteers are the driving force behind our ability to help Saratoga County seniors in need,” said Sandra Cross, Director of the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services. “With the winter months approaching, we have an urgent need for meal delivery volunteers who can share a couple hours of their time to help our seniors. Simply delivering a meal can brighten someone’s day, alleviate loneliness, and ensure that our most vulnerable community members receive the nourishment they need.”

Volunteers can choose a flexible schedule that meets their availability, volunteering as little as once a week or as much as five days a week. Meals are picked up at 11AM at the area meal site where they are volunteering and delivered until 1PM each weekday.

Becoming a volunteer is easy. Individuals simply fill out an application and provide references to the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services. Training and orientation are provided to all volunteers. Volunteers must have a valid driver license and their own vehicle.

Those interested in becoming a meal delivery volunteer should call the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-363-4020.

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The proposed $432 million budget keeps the levy within the state’s property tax cap and reduces the property tax rate by 5%, continuing to provide Saratoga County homeowners with the lowest property tax rate amongst Upstate counties at $1.87 per $1,000 of assessed value. This equates to a 15% reduction in the property tax rate over the past four years.

The County makes a conservative sales tax revenue projection for 2025 of $170 million, amidst higher inflation, a sluggish economy, and uncertainty in future consumer spending habits. The conservative projection comes as the County saw a slower growth rate during the second half of 2024, a trend which officials expect to continue in 2025.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett (Clifton Park) said, “We’re proud to once again reduce the property tax rate for property owners, continuing Saratoga County’s standing as having the lowest rate amongst all 55 upstate counties, while also ensuring residents have access to quality services and programs. The 2025 tentative budget demonstrates that our conservative fiscal values and smart investments in public safety, our community, and our workforce continue to make Saratoga County one of the most desirable places to live, work, and visit.”

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Matthew Veitch (Saratoga Springs) said, “In the face of higher inflation, unfunded mandates, and a sluggish economy, the 2025 tentative budget is a testament that Saratoga County’s conservative fiscal practices and responsible spending choices that help to maintain the County’s low property tax rate while also delivering robust programs and services our residents rely on.”

County Administrator Steve Bulger said, “With the 2025 tentative budget, the County continues its focus on ensuring sufficient staffing levels to provide mandated services across various departments and making strategic investments in programs to ensure residents of all ages have access to vital services, may continue to live in one of the safest counties in the State, and may enjoy the quality-of-life Saratoga County is known for.”

In 2025, unfunded state and federal mandates will cost Saratoga County more than $80 million. This is more than the county’s share of the property tax levy, requiring 100% of the County property tax to be allocated to unfunded mandates, which includes Medicaid, temporary assistance, early intervention, among many others. The burden of unfunded mandates was further strained in 2024 when the State shifted federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage payments from localities to its own coffers. Despite rising costs of unfunded mandates, the County continues to make considerable investments in critical programs and services residents depend on, such as public safety, health, and human services.

To maintain the high standard of services Saratoga County is known for, the Board of Supervisors is supporting the County workforce through this budget with significant investments in personnel, benefits, and training across all departments.

The tentative budget continues the County’s investment in public safety with funding for law enforcement training, updates to critical emergency communications systems, and continued support for emergency preparedness and response efforts. Saratoga County continues to invest in its public safety workforce, welcoming more than 30 new deputies over the past 12 months and ensuring ongoing funding for key training initiatives for seasoned staff as well as new hires. These efforts supported in the 2025 budget will ensure first responders have the necessary skills and equipment to respond to man-made or natural disasters, such as the July 2024 tornado in the towns of Edinburg and Day, as well as day-to-day public safety matters.

The 2025 tentative budget prioritizes resources for health and human services initiatives and programs. Saratoga County continues to support its large aging population with considerable allocations to the Senior Nutrition Program, which provides home-delivered and congregate meals to senior citizens countywide and transportation services that provide elderly residents with safe and reliable transit to and from important destinations such as medical appointments or grocery shopping; and other support services.

The 2025 tentative budget prioritizes funding and staffing for social services programs residents of all ages depend on, including early intervention, child welfare, foster care, Medicaid, and temporary assistance. In 2025, the County will also continue to pursue a permanent Code Blue Shelter location to help address homelessness.

The proposed budget also continues the County’s commitment to veterans. With the largest veteran population in the Capital District, Saratoga County’s proposed 2025 budget provides support for the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support program, which helps veterans re-assimilate to civilian life.

Saratoga County continues to support youth and families through funding for programs that encourage youth to abstain from drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and vaping. To that end, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors will welcome back its special speaker’s series for school districts, which addresses addiction and empowers students to choose abstinence. The tentative budget also provides for increased funding for the Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention Act (ATUPA) program to prevent the sale of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and accessories to anyone under the age of 21.

As the County continues its environmental health expansion, the 2025 tentative budget provides for a funding increase of more than one million dollars for the Department of Health for technology upgrades including a new online payment and permitting system and clean water supply testing equipment.

The County continues its investment in elections security and integrity initiatives to ensure safe and secure elections across Saratoga County. These investments include equipment upgrades, including new voting machines, and staff training.

The Board of Supervisors also continues its commitment to preserving open space, maintaining its partnership with Saratoga PLAN as land manager for the Graphite Range Community Forest and with its expansion of the popular Zim Smith Trail, which sees more than 300,000 travelers annually.

Saratoga County continues to prioritize economic development through partnerships with organizations such as SEDC and Discover Saratoga as well as support of the 250th Anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga commemoration and the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga. These important investments help to create sustainable growth, job opportunities, and enhanced quality of life for Saratoga County residents, businesses, and visitors.

For more information, to view the budget brief, and to read the full 2025 tentative budget, please visit www.SaratogaCountyNY.gov.

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The location change is needed due to an oil spill affecting the original poll site at the Edinburg Community Center.

The Town of Edinburg poll site will be open from 6AM to 9PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

For more information, please contact the Saratoga County Board of Elections at 518-885-2249 or visit www.SaratogaCountyNY.gov/BOE.

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November 6 at 10AM: Resume Development – This workshop presents the basics of a powerful and effective cover letter including formatting, tailoring to the job, and getting through the online application process to land an interview. Please have a rough draft of your resume with you. Facilitated by Rensselaer & Columbia-Greene.

November 7 at 11AM: Transferable Skills – Transferable skills are qualities you have already acquired which can be used in a different job. Make it easy for employers to see the connection between your qualities and the skillset needed to do the job and market yourself as the solution to an employer’s problem. Learn ways to research the employer’s needs then identify and show them that you have these skills. Facilitated by Warren and Washington.

November 12 at 10:30AM: Interview Preparation – Learn how to articulate your strengths, what questions to expect, how to address difficult topics, and ace the interviewing process. Facilitated by Schenectady.

November 13 at 10AM: Goal Setting – Goals are what take us forward in life. They are the first step in every journey we take. In this workshop we will explain how goal setting works, why goals are important, and take home more helpful resources to get you started. Remember: “if you aim for nothing, you’ll hit it every time.” Find out how to reach your dreams. Facilitated by Washington and Albany.

November 15 at 10:30AM: Networking – Networking is your strategic tool for cultivating lasting relationships, fostering professional growth, and unlocking opportunities. Join us for an approachable journey to understanding networking. Facilitated by Warren and Albany.

November 21 at 11AM: Completing Job Applications – Statistics show approximately 50% of mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system to screen candidates for job opportunities. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers. Facilitated by Warren and Washington.

November 26 at 11AM: Overcoming Barriers – Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Whether you’re facing transportation needs, childcare needs, prior justice system involvement, inexperience, health concerns or more, this workshop will provide you with resources and strategies to help you meet your goals. Facilitated by Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie.

November 26 at 1:30PM: Social Media – Your social media presence can make or break your ability to find a job. Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted. Facilitated by Schenectady.

Registration is required for all workshops. Visit https://thejoblink.org/calendar/ to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at (518) 884-4170 for more information. The workshops are offered as part of the Saratoga County Career Center’s WorkPays! workforce education campaign.

The Saratoga County Department of Workforce Development provides comprehensive training and employment services to residents through its Career Center and works with local businesses to attract and retain the local workforce.

The Greater Capital Region Career Centers is a group of local county and city-based Career Centers and partners that coordinate services to address the workforce needs of the Greater Capital Region by providing a variety of career and workforce resources, training opportunities, and more. Members include Capital Region Workforce New York; Columbia-Green Workforce NY; City of Albany Career Center; L.E.A.P; Rensselaer County Career Center; Saratoga County Career Center; Schenectady County Connects; Warren County Career Center; Workforce Solutions System of Fulton, Montgomery, Schoharie Counties.

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