OPTIMISTIC MESSAGE
County Executive Steve McLaughlin delivers optimistic State of the County address
TROY, N.Y. » Addressing county lawmakers, Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin said he believes the county’s greatest days are ahead, following a strong performance by the county in 2018 and historic opportunities for economic development and job creation.
McLaughlin made the comments during his annual State of the County address Tuesday to members of the Rensselaer County Legislature in which he laid out several moves and proposals for county government in 2019.
“We have had past achievements that are historic and important. But I truly believe Rensselaer County’s best days are ahead. I look forward to working cooperatively with everyone interested in building a better, stronger Rensselaer County, that we can continue to take pride in as our future and our home,” McLaughlin said.
During the speech, McLaughlin noted such historic economic development success, including an Amazon distribution center in Schodack, projected to add 800 new jobs, and expansion of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals by several hundred employees in East Greenbush.
McLaughlin’s 2019 budget was adopted unanimously with no tax increase came after his administra- tion generated more than $2 million in savings on personnel costs, purchasing modernization’s and health care. The county also earned a bond rating upgrade and passage of a contract with the county’s largest employee union, McLaughlin noted during his speech.
“We have been able to accomplish great things in 2018, with a unanimously adopted budget with no tax increase and the eighth consecutive budget under the tax cap; a union contract
that will produce a savings and ensures continued service and efficiency; millions of dollars saved and an upgrade in the county bond rating,” McLaughlin said.
“The many successes of 2018 mean we have laid a foundation for the future and set a course for a more prosperous tomorrow. It is up to us to recognize our opportunity and our place in history. Great things await us, and I look forward to 2019 with real optimism and excitement,” McLaughlin added.
In reaction to the speech, there appeared to be shared the optimism of McLaughlin’s message on both sides of the aisle.
“It was a positive message that showcased the progress we have made by working together to pass a balanced budget, with no tax increase, that makes the County attractive to investment and new businesses. We are seeing new private sector jobs and positive growth in our tax base, and that is a good thing,” said Rensselaer County Legislature Chairman Michael Stammel, RRensselar.
“I thought it sounded very upbeat and positive. I think the county executive covered a broad spectrum of improvements that he noted, and there will be a continued focus on, which all seemed very positive,” said Minority Leader Peter Grimm, D-Troy. “I’m happy to see a real focus on economic development in Rensselaer County.
“I’d like to follow that with a continued focus not only with job training, which he did mention but also housing, like the boom in housing [that] is going on in Troy. All of these things [ like] having people live in the county, as well as work in the county all translates to tax revenue because people live here and work here and they’ll shop here and I think that’s all really important.”
“Going further I’m very optimistic and I have great hopes for the continued kind of development of Rensselaer County. I’d like to see Rensselaer County be like the City of Troy as kind of a model of what’s good about living here,” Grimm added.
Town of Nassau Supervisor Dave Fleming also praised McLaughlin for making clean water around the Dewey Loeffel Superfund Site a central point in his address.
“I don’t feel like I’m screaming into the wind for environmental justice when our partners in government have our backs. Thanks to [the county executive] for using your State of the County to call for healing of our community,” Fleming said.
“Our unified commitment to clearing away this toxic legacy is what will make a difference,” Fleming added.
McLaughlin also joined county and local officials in calling for reform of state mandates, and for restoration of AIM funding cuts, funding for an expanded election calendar that carries an estimated cost to the county for $300,000, potential Medicaid reimbursement reductions, and other costs or unknowns for programs including Raise the Age, Counsel at First Appearance and expanded lead screenings.
“Like many elected officials in upstate, I remain concerned about the lack of attention and resources, and proposed reductions in funding at the county and local levels. It is a significant concern to see New York state struggling to balance budgets at a time when the national economy is strong and healthy,” McLaughlin said of the importance of restoring AIM funding to local municipalities.
McLaughlin recognized efforts to modernize and open county government, including the establishment of social media accounts that now have an audience of approximately 4500, use of GPS to monitor county vehicles, an addition of WiFi in the county’s busy Department of Motor Vehicles satellite, and special events and outreach efforts by the county.
Along with those efforts, McLaughlin said that the county has demonstrated strong financial controls, and modernized and reduced costs in areas such as printing, energy, and broadband, and has taken steps to reduce recurring expenses for storage by securing a potential facility.
Additional highlights of the 2019 State of the County included:
• Announced VRM earned a 5 Star CMS rating, the highest possible rating in the federal survey while maintaining a higher occupancy rate in 2018 than in 2017. Following the retirement of Doug Cosey as administration, McLaughlin announced the hiring of Art Proper as the new director.
• In 2018, the county pay- roll decreased for the first time in several years, even as a negotiated 2 percent raise was provided.
• Welcomed the new owners of Goold Orchard in Schodack, brothers Scott and Todd Seeberger. Scott and Todd will be operating the property as Windy Hill Orchard.
• Request for Proposals has been released for construction of a new training tower at the current tower location in North Greenbush.
• Announced plans to establish a new public park on Brookview Road in Schodack on countyowned property once used by the Fort Orange Paper Company. The site includes a waterfall, access to the Moordener Kill, hiking trails and great views.
• NotedplansbyMohawk Ambulance to construct a new and expanded facility on McChesney Avenue in Brunswick. Along with the bigger facility, Mohawkwill be increasing their presence in our county, from 1 to 2 ambulances in the county per shift to 6 during the day and 4 to 5 at night, primarily assigned to Rensselaer County.
• Renewed call for clean water sources for Hoosick Falls, Petersburgh, and Nassau.
• A new simulator and van obtained with state grants to allow STOP-DWI to educate students at schools across the county about the dangers of drunk and distracted driving.
• Announced Drive Rensco, a plan to review all county roads and rate for future repair and improvement.