Ulster County Comptroller

News

Press Release Re: Ulster County Federal Funds Impact Report

Kingston, NY (November 25, 2024) – Today Ulster County Comptroller March Gallagher released a report entitled Ulster County Federal Funds Impact Report. The report shows that in 2023 Ulster County expended $50.9 million in federal funding, $3 million of which went to subrecipients primarily through the American Rescue Act Plan program.

Comptroller's Ethics Complaint and Board Decision

In response to a Freedom of Information (FOIL) request, Comptroller Gallagher released the complaint and the letter received from the Board of Ethics in October (see following). Response to the FOIL was made after consultation with counsel who advised that once the Board of Ethics ruled that there was a violation, the complaint no longer needed to remain confidential. Legislator Nolan has widely shared the Opinion of the Board of Ethics. Ethical violations occurred in this case.

Recent Reports

Ulster County Real Property Tax Installment Agreements Audit

“I am relieved to finally be able to release this Audit now that the State Comptroller’s Investigation of former Finance Commissioner Burt Gulnick has concluded,” said Ulster County Comptroller March Gallagher. “When one property taxpayer fails to pay their fair share, the burden must be borne by other taxpayers. These revenues provide needed services to the residents of Ulster County. When enforcement is lax, or interest and penalties are only applied sporadically, it leaves room for special treatment which erodes the public’s confidence in government.

Ulster County Federal Funds Impact Report

The report shows that in 2022, according to the latest available data, Ulster County residents received $616.6 in Medicare benefits, and $642.9 million in Medicaid benefits. In 2023, the report estimates that Ulster County residents received $991.4 million in social security benefits, $27.4 million in social security disability income, $46.6 for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and $8.7 million for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).