Ulster County committee approves interim agreements for summer youth employment amid wage and federal funding concerns

The Ulster County Legislature committee on Economic Development, Planning, Education, Employment, Arts and Agriculture approved a resolution authorizing the chair to enter into interim municipal agreements to operate the county’s federally funded summer youth employment program, Brighter Futures initiative and Young Adult Employment Program during the committee’s February meeting.

The agreements allow the Office of Employment and Training (OET) to continue placements and wages for the summer program while final contracts are completed. OET representative Sharon told the committee the department planned to equalize pay across youth programs "increasing it to $16.50 an hour across our year round program, our summer youth employment program, our young adult program, and our brighter futures grama, so there is equity across all youth served." Sharon also warned that a federal pause in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) money could affect funding after the county’s fiscal year end: "there is a possibility ... there is a slight possibility that there would be some impact for July 1" if federal allocations change.

Deputy Chair Litts and several legislators raised concerns about the program’s goal to employ as many young people as possible and how the county’s living-wage policy interacts with that mission. Deputy Chair Litts said the living-wage requirement makes hiring larger numbers of youth harder and urged an exception to allow lower wages for youth hires: "the purpose of a living wage in this county is so that people can make enough money ... But typically, the young folks that would take advantage of this program don't have to supply those things ... so I would much rather see a lower wage to them so we can employ more youth." Legislator Hillett and others urged balancing livable pay with the program’s goal of broad participation.

Committee members and OET staff discussed program design: the department hopes to use the program to build sustained work experience (40 hours per week, up to three months) rather than short-term event staffing. Legislator Stewart suggested partnering the youth program with recycling and fair staffing opportunities, while staff cautioned those arrangements require age-appropriate placements and scheduling alignment with the summer footprint.

The committee approved the resolution by voice vote and moved the agreements forward to the next steps in implementation. The committee also noted uncertainty about federal reimbursements and said the county and OET will monitor guidance and adjust placements if funding availability changes.