Ulster County DA reports five hires; legislature OKs aid-to-prosecution and OVW grant funding

District Attorney Nenge updated the committee on staffing and office needs on June 30, saying five of seven prosecutor vacancies have been filled with candidates who include recent prosecution experience and that the office remains actively recruiting to reach prior staffing levels.

Nenge asked the Legislature to approve creation of an office-manager (or chief-of-staff) position and said he has reiterated a prior request for a Bureau of Public Integrity—a bureau chief and a line attorney—to handle cases that involve public officials or law-enforcement personnel. He stressed that recent public-integrity cases require dedicated resources.

The committee also considered two budget actions supporting the District Attorney's office. Resolution 354 would amend the 2026 Ulster County budget to authorize the use of New York State Aid to Prosecution funds for recruitment, retention and operational support in the DA's office. Resolution 355 would amend the 2026 budget to include Office on Violence Against Women grant funds (2024–2027) to improve the criminal-justice response.

Both resolutions were moved, seconded and adopted with no recorded opposition. Chair members noted the DA had made the resolutions available and thanked him for the report. Nenge said the new prosecutors include seasoned prosecutors and those with recent prosecutorial experience; he provided the committee with background on hiring needs and the importance of recent discovery-reform experience for new hires.

What happens next: the DA's office will proceed with the new hires and the legislature has authorized the use of state aid and the OVW grant funds; the DA will continue to seek support to hire remaining prosecutors and to stand up requested administrative and investigative (public integrity) positions.