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Supervisors debate recurring Black River assessment and limits of county influence over state mandates
Summary
Supervisors discussed annual payments for the Hudson River/Black River assessment, with some opposing continued payments and others saying the county has limited ability to change state policy; past attempts to alter language in Albany were unsuccessful, and the county continues to budget for the charge.
Several supervisors used the supervisor comments portion of the Washington County Board of Supervisors meeting to reiterate opposition to the annual Black River assessment and to describe past efforts to change the assessment at the state level.
One supervisor said he did not support the fee and asked where the other four counties stood; he suggested withholding payment to draw public attention. Another supervisor recounted earlier lobbying efforts: the county had previously tried to get all counties to press Albany to change a sentence in the statute, but the legislature did not change the language; despite outreach and coordination the county ultimately continued to include the fee in its budget.
Supervisors described the political limits the county faces in Albany — including a legislative supermajority that, they said, moves mandates without negotiation — and said that while the county could withhold payment, doing so risks the loss of state revenues and other legal or financial consequences. One supervisor said the county had at times secured partial relief but that subsequent changes in the state formula left counties responsible for differences.
There was no formal action recorded on the Black River assessment during the meeting; the remarks were part of supervisor comment and reflected continuing frustration over a recurring budget item.
