Committee members discussed and moved a resolution urging that Social Security field offices not be closed or downsized and that in-person services remain available, particularly for older residents who may have difficulty using online or telephone-only services.

A speaker said the town recently passed a similar resolution and asked the county committee to send the same message. Committee members reported hearing that some offices, including one in Dutchess County, had been temporarily closed or downsized, and that the broader trend toward online and phone services could be difficult for senior residents who do not use computers. One member noted the county received informal reports that Hudson had not been specifically named for closure but that several offices had been downsized.

The motion to send the resolution was made and seconded in committee; one member said the resolution "doesn't have a lot of teeth, but it sends a message." The transcript records the motion and second but does not include an explicit recorded vote tally or chair's confirmation of passage.

Speakers suggested the resolution is primarily symbolic but could support local advocacy to preserve face-to-face services. Staff mentioned they had been contacted by a representative of Social Security employees and that closures or downsizings have been proposed in multiple locations.

Next steps: Staff to note the motion and, if recorded as approved in minutes, forward the resolution to appropriate state or federal contacts and local stakeholders to advocate for maintaining in-person services.