Ulster County Legislature approves wide set of contracts and local laws after heated debate; public raises landfill, oversight and union concerns

The Ulster County Legislature on Feb. 18, 2025, approved a range of contracts, bond authorizations and two local laws after extended debate and a robust public-comment period that focused heavily on a proposed landfill in Wawarsing and calls for oversight of county-contracted social services.

Public commenters filled the resolution-period comment docket to oppose proposed landfill siting near Milk Road and Brown Road, urging support for Legislator Craig Lopez’s resolution opposing a dump at either location. "You protect the air, you protect the water, and you support Mr. Lopez's resolution," Lauren Salve said, describing proximity to the proposed site and urging legislative action. Multiple speakers raised environmental, public-health and property-value concerns, and several referenced a similar resolution passed by the Sullivan County Legislature.

On the consent and nonconsent calendar, the Legislature approved a $150,000 contract with the Ulster County Community Action Committee, Inc. amid objections from Legislator Maloney, who had presented documents and photographs alleging poor food quality and questioned large discretionary payments. "When you go in and you see the people that are struggling being given food that is unedible ... I'm just shocked," Maloney said; other members urged passage while the county comptroller completes an audit. The contract passed 22–1.

Members also debated and voted on two notable local laws. Proposed local law 14, which updates the county living-wage code, drew an amendment from Legislator Litz to exempt the Ulster County summer youth employment program; members voted down the exemption (11–12) and then adopted the law 23–0. Separately, proposal local law 18, adjusting salary revisions for certain elected officials, prompted prolonged debate over optics and timing; an amendment to delay the law's operative date was defeated and the law was adopted after a long-roll vote, 12–11.

Resolutions tied to the Golden Hill/Penrose housing project and associated contracts and bond actions were considered and adopted after exchanges about state funding rules and lottery-based allocations for some units. "The only way that we're going to get out of this crisis is to build more housing," Legislator Stewart said in support; opponents expressed concern the allocations would not primarily benefit local residents.

Other nonconsent items approved included multiple sheriff-office contracts and an agreement to provide an additional deputy sheriff as a school resource officer for the Onteora Central School District (passed 21–2). The legislature confirmed several appointments, including John Stegmaier as assigned counsel administrator (23–0), while public speakers called for improved oversight of public-defense contractors and 18-b attorneys.

Chair’s closing remarks noted uncertainty in federal funding and emphasized housing, mental-health services and workforce development as priorities. The meeting concluded with memorials and Black History Month reflections. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2025, at the Ulster County Office Building in Kingston.

Votes at a glance: UCCAC contract — adopted 22–1; Local Law 14 (living wage) — amendment defeated 11–12; law adopted 23–0; Local Law 18 (salary revisions) — adopted 12–11; Golden Hill-related resolutions — adopted (majorities recorded in the minutes); Assigned counsel administrator — confirmed 23–0; SRO for Onteora — adopted 21–2.

This account relies on public comment and roll-call votes recorded in the official transcript of the Feb. 18, 2025 session.