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Legislature narrowly approves $150,000 contract for Ulster County Community Action Committee amid food-quality and accounting concerns
Summary
After extended debate and differing accounts of food distribution and accounting, the Ulster County Legislature approved a $150,000 contract with the Ulster County Community Action Committee, 22 to 1; critics raised concerns about food quality at shelters and payments to salaried staff.
The Ulster County Legislature on Feb. 18 approved a $150,000 contract with the Ulster County Community Action Committee (UCAC) for Department of Social Services programming, but the vote followed an extended debate over service quality, contract administration and internal payments reported by a legislator.
Legislator Dave Maloney urged a “no” vote, summarizing documents he said showed that meals provided to some shelter residents were “cold” and “disgusting,” and that $40,000 of the contract funds were paid out to salaried individuals as one-time checks. Maloney said he provided printed documentation and photographs to colleagues and said the county comptroller would audit the nonprofit.
Legislator Kathy Nolan and others disputed some of Maloney’s claims, saying some materials presented at the prior meeting were not produced by the UCAC and that the county should allow the comptroller to investigate financial questions while continuing services. Majority Leader and other supporters said the contract covered nonperishable food distributions and critical hygiene supplies; they argued withholding the contract would interrupt services for people in need.
After the debate the legislature adopted the contract 22 to 1; Maloney cast the lone recorded no vote. Several legislators urged the comptroller to complete the promised review; committee members had earlier said the comptroller planned an audit or review.
Why it matters: The exchange highlighted tension between continuing service delivery for vulnerable residents and ensuring accountability for how contracted funds are spent. The contract provides items such as nonperishable food, diapers and hygiene kits used by social-service providers; legislators said interruptions could harm clients.
Quote: “When you have food that's not edible and then $40,000 tax dollars being given in $10,000 checks to already salaried individuals… I'm just shocked,” said Legislator Dave Maloney.
Record notes: The item appears on the non-consent agenda as Resolution 676 of 2024 and was debated in committee. The comptroller confirmed a review was planned; legislators asked the comptroller to proceed and for staff to ensure continuity of services while the review proceeds.
Looking ahead: The legislature expects the comptroller’s review; several members said they would not withhold services during the audit. Maloney said he would register a “no” vote but pressed for further oversight.
