Commissioner Coll Addresses Misinformation in Times Union Article on City Budget

[JK: I received the following from Tim Coll, Commissioner of Public Safety.]

Open Letter to Times Union Reporter Wendy Liberatore

When I first ran for office several years ago, I promised to correct the record when necessary, and I will do so yet again.

On August 18, 2026, Times Union reporter Wendy Liberatore mischaracterized a proposed capital plan in the City of Saratoga Springs. Rather than waiting for the presentation on August 19, 2026, she concluded that the City was committing $14 million to a new police facility amid a $5 million deficit.

In fact, as I pointed out during the public hearing, this was a needs assessment in which all City departments submitted their capital needs. It was also pointed out that only approximately $2.7 million of the capital projects presented may potentially be funded. The remaining requests represented identified capital needs.

Yes, Liberatore is correct that the City is facing a fiscal crisis. Former Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi left the City with a significant financial mess, and this Council is now focused on correcting those problems while moving the City forward.

I also pointed out during the public hearing that a new joint venture with DPW was initiated and that the City has issued an RFP to retain a commercial broker to assist with the sale of certain City properties and potentially acquire another. If this works out, we may be able to address some of our infrastructure needs without any cost to the taxpayers.

Liberatore’s history of careless reporting and advancing a false narrative critical of our police department needs to stop. Our officers deserve fair, accurate, and responsible coverage, just like everyone else.

The public deserves accurate reporting, not conclusions drawn before all of the facts are presented. I encourage Ms. Liberatore to watch the entire meeting and review the facts before continuing to report on these issues.

The facts matter, and I will continue to correct the record when it is misstated.

Respectfully,

Tim Coll

Public Safety Commissioner

Saratoga Springs, NY