Sullivan County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sullivan County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Jeffersonville Communication Tower Project
The committee will consider amending a 2020 resolution and signing a contract with DASNY for the capital project to build a communication tower in Jeffersonville — a piece of the county's emergency radio/communications network. Committee action is only a recommendation to the full Legislature.
Sheriff's Office staffing crisis and contract dispute
Deputies say Sullivan County pays patrol officers roughly $30,000 less than neighboring Orange County agencies and lacks a 20-year retirement, driving experienced staff out. Union representatives warned 13 of 59 deputies may soon take the Orange County civil service test.
Measles outbreak and public health response
A commenter warned that Sullivan County's childhood MMR vaccination rate is among the state's lowest amid a regional measles outbreak and state emergency, and pressed for evening/weekend clinics and stronger public outreach.
Plow driver staffing shortage
The county is short three plow drivers going into winter despite three new hires, and leaders are weighing small promotional raises to get more workers into trucks. Supervision of new drivers is a concern with a key retirement coming.
Veteran homelessness prevention
Agency staff stopped five veterans from becoming homeless in two months, and a new $1.17 billion VA grant program could bring more resources — Walsh is still figuring out how counties can tap it.