There is broad agreement affordability is one of the greatest challenges facing the residents of Ulster County. There’s no denying that too many people in the county are feeling the impacts of the rising cost of living.

At the same time, the cost of operating county government continues to rise. These challenges call for thoughtful, long-term solutions.

The Ulster County Charter entrusts this legislature with serving as the county's legislative, appropriating and policy-determining body. Among our most significant responsibilities are making appropriations, levying taxes, and adopting the county's budget. With that authority comes the obligation to exercise independent judgment, provide meaningful oversight, and serve as prudent stewards of taxpayer dollars.

The question I see before me today is not whether affordability deserves our attention, nor whether the county faces difficult fiscal choices ahead. Those realities are clear.

The question before us is whether we have completed the work necessary to conclude that requesting new taxing authority – one of a historic nature for New York State – is the most appropriate solution among all the options available to us.

I understand the intention that today's vote does not itself impose a new tax, and that this Home Rule Request provides Ulster County with the legal authority to consider this option in the future.

However, I believe a Home Rule Request is not a procedural placeholder. It is the legislature's formal recommendation to the State of New York asking for new taxing authority.

I truly believe that this recommendation deserves the same level of analysis, deliberation, and public engagement that taxpayers would expect if the tax itself were before us today for a vote.

As the only financial advisor on this legislature, I feel it is imperative that we review independent data, and evaluate all reasonable alternatives, carefully considering all the facts, hear from subject matter experts and weigh both the intended and unintended consequences. At this time, I do not believe we have the data to complete a comprehensive analysis, and I feel that is a critical step that needs to happen before asking the state to grant this new taxing authority.

For that reason, I cannot support this resolution. I am a no.

Thank you.

Laura Donovan, Ulster County Legislator (District 11)

Marlborough