Aug. 19, 2025 — The Ulster County Legislature approved a $194,000 contract with the Ulster County Community Action Committee to install heat pumps and related weatherization work after a divided floor debate about the nonprofit’s financial reporting and a recent comptroller review.

Minority Leader Roberts opposed proceeding and said the agency “still hasn't met the prior requirements for this being awarded contracts,” citing a county comptroller report that flagged reporting weaknesses. Legislator Litz moved to refer the contract back to committee, saying the agency had not filed income-tax returns and 1099s required under its existing contract and had reportedly paid employees one-time checks; Litz said the nonprofit had fired its financial staff and hired a new firm and asked for time to get paperwork in order.

Majority Leader Levine said the agency had participated in the comptroller’s review and was following guidance; he reported the county comptroller told him she was not recommending stopping the contract. Legislator Collins highlighted county policy goals, saying the work is intended to “divert as much waste as possible” and stressed the immediacy of winter weatherization work. Legislator Maloney criticized the comptroller report as incomplete and questioned whether the audit team had access to full records.

A motion to refer the measure back to committee was defeated 8-14. On the final vote the resolution passed 16-6. Supporters emphasized the immediate need for weatherization and that community action provides services to county residents; opponents cited contract compliance, missing filings and alleged irregular payments reported in the comptroller’s review.

The resolution authorizes county staff to enter into the contract with Ulster County Community Action Committee, Inc., for weatherization services. Legislators said the county will monitor the organization’s corrective actions and that the county comptroller’s office will continue oversight.