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Ulster County committee flags staffing gaps and multi‑million increases in social services budget during 2025 review
Summary
Committee heard department‑level budget presentations showing large increases for family assistance, special education and early intervention; members and staff flagged staffing shortages, redirected ARPA funds for mental‑health projects and new state partnerships for lead remediation and veteran caregiver supports.
The Ulster County Health, Human Services and Housing Committee on Oct. 30 reviewed major elements of the proposed 2025 county budget, with social services, public‑health and human‑services staff outlining several significant cost drivers and continuing recruitment challenges.
DSS fiscal staff told the committee the department requested a $3,420,000 increase in family assistance services to meet emergency‑housing demand. The presenter said the county has been tracking an emergency‑housing population of about 425 to 500 unique individuals (roughly 220 active cases), and that hotel and motel placements continue to drive costs. "We're looking at $3,420,000 increase in family assistance services," the presenter said.
Staff also flagged large, largely state‑driven…
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