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Saratoga County Floats $411 Million Spending Plan for 2024

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in Featured, News.


Saratoga County has proposed a $411 million budget for 2024. 

BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County officials have proposed a $411 million spending plan for 2024. The tentative budget marks a $32.7 million increase compared to this year’s approved budget and highlights 8% decrease in the property tax rate.

“It is a $411 million budget for 2024,” said city Supervisor Matt Veitch, who last week was re-elected to a ninth two-year term, which begins in 2024.      

“It’s going to have an 8% property tax rate cut – keeping it under the state tax cap – and it’s going to put us at $1.95 per $1,000 assessed value. In the time that I’ve been supervisor, I don’t think I’ve ever seen it that low, so, good for the taxpayers, you get a little bit of a tax break from Saratoga County,” Veitch said.  

The county sales tax revenue projection for 2024 is $165 million – a decrease of $5 million compared with expected 2023 revenues, and real property taxes revenues is estimated at about $72 million, approximately $2.5 million higher than 2023 amended budget totals.  

County Administrator Steve Bulger said the county plans on making significant investments in broadband, highway, and other infrastructure improvements in 2024.

Some 2024 Tentative Budget Investments for Saratoga County Residents Include: 

• A new program, Teams, that will provide $350,000 in total funding to towns and team sports programs throughout the county that support the health and well-being of children and youth. 

• A $2 million broadband expansion project looks to provide high-speed broadband expansion to the towns of Corinth, Day, Edinburg, Hadley, and Providence, utilizing federal ARPA funds.

• Preserving open space and providing outdoor recreational opportunities for residents through investments in our Farmland and Open Space Acquisition and fish stocking programs and by increasing funding for our Local Assistance to County Trails grant program. ($575,000) 

• Continued investments to address the opioid epidemic including utilizing Opioid Settlement Funds to create programs and provide services to connect families, veterans, and underserved populations with community-based treatment, rehabilitation, recovery, and support services related to opioid and substance use disorders. ($150,000).

• Emergency Services communications upgrades and a new Fire Training Tower in support of volunteer firefighters throughout Saratoga County. (more than $3 million).

• Robust investments in public safety, including investments in personnel, technology, and equipment for the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Probation Department, Public Defender’s Department, and Conflict Defender’s Office. (nearly $57 million).

Budget workshops are ongoing through November. “As we go forward we’ll see if there’s anything that needs changing or updating,” Veitch said.   

A public hearing will take place at the county complex in Ballston Spa in early December, and a special board meeting will be held one week later to potentially adopt the budget for 2024. 

The tentative 2024 budget is on view at: www.saratogacountyny.gov/2024-tentative-budget/.

Saratoga County Clerk Installed as NYSACC President  

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County Clerk Craig A. Hayner on Oct. 23 was sworn in as the new president of the New York State Association of County Clerks (NYSACC).

The installation of the organization’s new slate of officers took place during its annual fall conference, held in Clifton Park. Hayner will serve in the position for the next year. 

As NYSACC president, Hayner said he will focus the organization’s efforts on expanding and further developing relationships with key entities in government, the private sector and non-profits statewide. He also will look to capitalize on the strengths of NYSACC members. 

Hayner was first elected as Saratoga County Clerk in November of 2013. Prior to that, he served as a councilman on the Halfmoon Town Board for 6 years and worked in various roles in the private sector for more than 25 years. 

The NYS Association of County Clerks was founded in 1921 and unites clerks from across the state, providing them a unifying voice on state legislation and regulations, the strength of their collective knowledge, and a forum for sharing best practices.  

Members are nominated and voted upon for officer positions during the annual summer conference. NYSACC officers take their oaths and begin serving in their new roles annually during an installation ceremony at the organization’s fall legislative conference.  

Church, Brewery, Restaurant, Private Social Club, and West Ave. Development all Under Consideration in Saratoga Springs

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in News.

New illustration of West Avenue proposed mixed-use development
submitted to the city of Saratoga Springs on Nov. 13, 2023.  

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Planning Board announced it will meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30 at City Hall. Applications under consideration that may be part of the night’s agenda include: 

-South Broadway Treehouse Brewing Special Use Permit for an outdoor dining and micro-production of alcohol associated with an eating and drinking establishment.

Tree House Brewing Company has submitted plans to build a brewery, taproom, and “expansive indoor and outdoor experience” across the street from the Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Route 9. It will be the brewer’s sixth location overall and first outside of New England.

The company said it expects to create at least sixty jobs and generate $30 to $40 million in economic activity.

• A Special Use permit and a Site Plan Review is sought for a private/social club proposed at 118 and 121-125 Woodlawn Ave. 

Saratoga TODAY first reported on the venture last June when it was detailed the club’s anticipated operation hours of 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, when it would provide light meals and bar service for its approximately 200 members, as well as a place for members “to relax and unwind after a day at the office,” according to documents filed with the city.  

The building at 118 is located on the corner of Woodlawn Avenue and Van Dam Street, just west of the convergence of Broadway/Route 9 and the Saratoga Hilton. For more than a century, the property was owned by various religious operations and operated as a religious house of worship, The existing gravel lot at 122-125 would be upgraded and consist of 22 parking spaces.  

•12 Ballston Ave., Chipotle. Site Plan Review of a proposed 2,344 square foot restaurant with outdoor seating and associated site work to be located on lands that was formerly the Starting Gate Bar and Grill, which has been vacant since 2015. 

•400 Louden Road, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs. Special Use permit for a place of worship is sought by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation. 

UUCSS is currently under contract to purchase just over 5 acres on Louden Road for the construction of the new church. Just over three of those acres are in “conservancy“ – not allowing for development – leaving about 1.93 acres of currently vacant land where the proposed two-story, 8,840 square foot church would be developed. 

The primary development area is located in Saratoga Springs with the road frontage being in the town of Wilton. The proposal also includes parking availability for 64 cars.

•126 West Ave.  Site Plan Review of a proposed mixed-use development on West Avenue, that would include office and residential units. The initial Site Plan application (including PUD) was submitted to the city of Saratoga Springs in October 2021, and called for a mixed-use development consisting of four townhouses, office and apartment. Seven new illustrations were submitted to the city of Saratoga Springs on Nov, 13, 2023.  

Saratoga Man Accused of Child Abduction Indicted

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in News.


Craig N. Ross Jr., depicted in a mug shot released by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Oct. 3, 2023

SARATOGA COUNTY — The 46-year-old local man suspected of abducting a 9-year-old girl in September was indicted by a Saratoga County grand jury. 

Craig N. Ross Jr., was charged with kidnapping in the first-degree, a felony, shortly after being taken into custody in early October. Ross was arraigned at Milton Town Court and sent to Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail. 

An arraignment on the grand jury indictment is scheduled to take place Nov. 17 when any potential additional charges are anticipated to be made known.  

The 9-year-old girl went missing Sept. 30 while on a bike ride in Moreau Lake State Park. 

The Oct. 2 arrest followed the issue of an AMBER alert, and the discovery of a ransom note left in the family mailbox of the abducted girl’s home, according to authorities. Fingerprints on the letter were entered into the New York State database and a match was made involving a DWI in 1999 in Saratoga Springs. 

The subsequent investigation led authorities to a camper where the girl was located safe and in good health by state police, and Ross taken into custody, authorities said.   

Mayor Signs Agreement with DEC for Climate Action Plan

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS ­— Mayor Kim, with City Council approval, accepted a $37,500 grant from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for a Government Operations Climate Action Plan (CAP) during the Nov. 8 City Council meeting.

The CAP will establish initiatives and policies that enable the city to meet its climate goals, identify priority strategies and actions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, assess the vulnerability of the city’s infrastructure and natural environment to projected climate change, and create several shovel-ready projects able to compete for private, federal, and additional state funding. 

The city has reviewed proposals responsive to an RFP for consulting services and expects to announce an award of bid at the Nov. 21 City Council meeting.

The consultant, with assistance from a project team comprised of members of the Climate Smart Task Force and City staff, will draft the CAP for review by stakeholders, local officials, advisory agencies, and citizens. After comments and recommendations are taken into consideration by the consultant and project team, the CAP will be brought to City Council for approval. The process of developing the Climate Action Plan is anticipated to take 12-18 months. 

Assemblywoman Woerner: Bills To Support School And Public Libraries Signed Into Law

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA COUNTY —Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake, announced three bills to support libraries statewide have been signed into law. 

The pieces of legislation expand access to digital resources at school libraries, protect conservation grants for invaluable library materials and cut red tape surrounding local library funding.

“Libraries are cornerstones of our local communities,” Woerner said, in a statement.  “The services libraries provide to our communities are innumerable, from study spaces to computer technology and internet access, as well as job training and senior activities. As chair of the Committee on Libraries and Education Technology, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to support New York’s library system. I thank the governor for signing these bills into law and look forward to seeing the positive impacts of these investments in our communities.”

Woerner sponsored legislation to update the definition of school library materials to include digital resources, helping modernize our schools by making digital materials eligible for state aid (Ch. 571 of 2023). The other measure she sponsored will ensure research libraries have the resources to preserve and conserve their materials (Ch. 578 of 2023). Additionally, Woerner co-sponsored and passed a law to reduce the time local governments need to spend on collecting signatures to call for votes on library funding increases (Ch. 587 of 2023). 

Saratoga Flag Company: Take The Flag Advocacy Challenge

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA COUNTY —Saratoga Flag Company is actively promoting The Make American Flags in America Act throughout New York State and across the nation.

The company has provided American Legion Adirondack Post 70 Adjutant Keith Koster with an American-made, Betsy Ross, 13-Star USA Flag to take on a multi-state hiking journey where Koster is promoting awareness of the American Legion’s “Be the One” Peer Support Program, to end Veteran suicide. Each summit will be highlighted with a photo posted on social media of “Old Glory” tagged with the hashtag:  #MakeAmericanFlags inAmericaAct on each social media post.

Koster has been featured in the centennial edition of The American Legion magazine, for hiking all 46 of the Adirondack Peaks and displaying an American Legion flag at each summit to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The American Legion.

Saratoga Flag Company is promoting a Flag Advocacy Challenge: Take a photo of yourself with an American-made U.S.A. Flag, in your favorite locations to promote The Make American Flags in America Act, and post the photos to your social media accounts with the hashtag  #MakeAmericanFlags inAmericaAct. 

The Make American Flags in America Act of 2023, (H.R. 4137), was introduced in June by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. The Bill states that any American Flags displayed on taxpayer-funded Federal property must be Made in the U.S.A. Any American Flags purchased by the Federal Government must be Made in the U.S.A.

The Make American Flags in America Act is proudly endorsed by The National Independent Flag Dealers Association (www.nifda.net/flag-bill-hr4137) and The Flag Manufacturers Association of America (www.fmaa-usa.com ).

VCHC: Helping Veterans Meet the Challenges of Life Head On 

Written by The Saratoga County Alliance to End Homelessness on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA COUNTY —For those men and women that faithfully served our great nation, it is disturbing to think that on any given night in this country 50,000 veterans are without a home.  The Point-in-Time (PIT) count is an annual effort led by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to estimate the number of Americans, including veterans, without safe, stable housing.  It is one of the tools used to assess progress each year toward Veteran’s Administration’s (VA) priority goal of ending homelessness among veterans. According to the PIT, the estimated number of veterans experiencing homelessness in America declined by 55.3% from 2010 to 2022.

Despite this success, tremendous effort, and significant funding provided to address the issue of veteran homelessness, the issue continues to persist and requires unwavering commitment and attention.  The Saratoga County Alliance to End Homelessness is committed to preventing and ending homelessness in all forms and is focused on supporting agencies like Veterans and Community Housing Coalition to positively impact veteran experiencing homelessness.

Since 1983, the Veterans & Community Housing Coalition (VCHC) has made it their mission to ease the suffering that homeless veterans face here in the Capital District. VCHC uses a multi-faceted approach with an array of different programs and services to serve those that bravely served us.  One such program is the Saratoga Veterans Apartment Program, S.V.A.P., which provides affordable housing to veterans experiencing homelessness through 19 units scattered throughout Saratoga County.  Subsidized rent and supportive case management is provided to the veteran while he or she transitions from homelessness to stable housing.

Having the pride of serving your country and then finding oneself in a state of homelessness can be an overwhelmingly stressful time. Many veterans not only face financial challenges but also mental health challenges and an ever-growing competitive job market. A veteran may have to learn how to acquire a primary care provider, a dentist, or assistance in obtaining life insurance. These services were previously provided by the military, once service ends it is up to the veteran to acquire these services. A veteran may also need to navigate the paperwork and process of obtaining benefits and services from the department of Veterans Affairs, and in many cases, veterans are not even aware of the benefits that they are entitled to. This is an all too common issue with veterans that have just separated from service and for our aging veteran population, which can significantly contribute to losing housing and becoming homeless. 

VCHC Case Management works to complete the objective that all veterans within the program have the support and knowledge to navigate the ever-changing world. Case managers can assist in applying for SNAP benefits for the veteran, navigate obtaining benefits through the VA, assist in providing transportation to and from medical appointments, resume building and interview coaching. 

The goal of VCHC is to help our veteran population meet the challenges of life head on. To serve those that served is not a choice as proud Americans, it is our duty.  If you know of a veteran who is struggling and needs assistance with housing, or other issues, VCHC and the Saratoga County Alliance to End Homeless wants you to know there are caring professionals who are ready to help and serve.

Public Hearing Nov. 28 on City Amended $61.27 Million Budget 

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in Featured, News.

A public hearing regarding Saratoga Springs’ Amended 2024 Budget will be held Nov. 28. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The City Council gathered Monday morning to set a public hearing for the proposed amended 2024 City Budget. 

That hearing, which enables the public to express opinions directly to councilmembers regarding the proposed $61.27 million spending plan, will take place 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 28. 

By rule, the council must vote to approve the budget by Nov. 30, or the $60.5 million spending plan previously submitted by the finance commissioner will become law.   

Nov. 30: Victorian Streetwalk Returns to Spa City

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, News.

Downtown Saratoga Springs Victorian Streetwalk. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 37th Annual Victorian Streetwalk promises a magical night in downtown Saratoga Springs on Thursday Nov. 30.

The event, presented by the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association, takes place 6 – 9 p.m. Broadway will be closed from Ellsworth Jones Place to the Washington Street intersection. 

A traditional tree lighting will be held at 6 p.m. to help kick off the holiday season. Immediately following the tree lighting, children will have the opportunity to visit Santa in his Cottage. 

Celebrate the 200th Anniversary of “Twas The Night Before Christmas.” Pamela McColl, author and publisher, will teach about the history of the beloved poem. A dedicated table for Toys for Toga outside G. Willikers store will be collecting new and unwrapped toys for local children. Toys for Toga invites the community to contribute, ensuring every child experiences the magic of the season.

More than 25 sites will feature free entertainment, including the Racing City Chorus, Road Soda Pop, South Glens Falls High School a capella group (Vocal Point), Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Select High School Choir, Saratoga City Ballet, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Choir, Saratoga Soundtrack Chorus, Sax-O-Claus, Jacksland, Lenox, Bill Gervasio, Six Penny Bit, Kids Peace Band, Capitaland Chorus, John & Orion Kribs, The Dance Lab, Saratoga Youth Ballet, Victorian Keepsake Photos by Johnny Miller LLC, Sparkles the Juggler,  Sonny & Perley Duo, Dance Fire Studio, Stephen Crouth, Acadia Rae performing with her hula hoop, Abundant Life Church, Pura Vida Kettle Corn, Nacre Dance Group, Catholic Charities Festival of Trees, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The festivities continue until 9 p.m. throughout downtown Saratoga Springs. 

For more information, visit saratogaspringsdowntown.com.