Committee sponsor withdraws proposal to fund first‑responder outreach specialist, asks for more data

A resolution (Res. 649) to create and fund a first‑responder outreach specialist position for the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office wellness unit was withdrawn from consideration on Dec. 11 after the sponsor requested more information.

Sponsor Legislator Hansett told the committee the position originated in Resolution 220 of 2024 and that work to create the unit had been done, but that one position was moved to another office and never posted. Hansett said an assessment of need was described to the legislator but was not provided in written form, and that leaves uncertainty about how the position fits the unit’s needs.

"That was in October 2024...the job description was not completed, and it never got posted," the sponsor said, and added that the unit appears to be operating without the vacant position but that the committee should prioritize first responders. The sponsor said they had asked the county executive for a callback about the matter and had been told the position would be prioritized in 2026, but the sponsor nonetheless withdrew the resolution "on the record" and asked for commitments to return with clearer documentation.

The committee chair acknowledged the concerns and suggested withdrawing or taking no action now and revisiting the proposal in the spring with additional data, including how many people are served, the roles of existing wellness staff, and the specific gap the new role would fill. The withdrawal was recorded in the minutes.

What happens next: The sponsor and staff will collect the requested written assessment, a job description, and program metrics and present the information when the committee reconvenes the discussion.