December

The draft Plan Update is posted on the OEM webpage on the Saratoga County website, www.saratogacountyny.gov/oem. Public comments will be accepted until January 24, 2025.

The draft Plan Update was prepared by Saratoga County, participating jurisdictions, and H2O Partners, Inc.

The purpose of the Plan Update is to protect people and structures and to minimize the costs of disaster response and recovery. The goal of the Plan Update is to minimize or eliminate long-term risks to human life, property, operations, and the environment from known hazards by identifying risks and implementing cost-effective hazard mitigation actions.

The planning process is an opportunity for participating jurisdictions within Saratoga County, stakeholders, and the public to evaluate and develop successful hazard mitigation actions to reduce future risk of loss of life and damage to property resulting from a disaster in Saratoga County.

To read the draft 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update and to submit comments about the plan, please visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/oem.

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January 8 at 10AM: Goal Setting – Goals are what take us forward in life. They are the first step in every journey we take. In this workshop we will explain how goal setting works, why goals are important, and take home more helpful resources to get you started. Remember: “if you aim for nothing, you’ll hit it every time.” Find out how to reach your dreams. Facilitated by Washington and Albany.

January 10 at 11AM: Transferable Skills – Transferable skills are qualities you have already acquired which can be used in a different job. Make it easy for employers to see the connection between your qualities and the skillset needed to do the job and market yourself as the solution to an employer’s problem. Learn ways to research the employer’s needs then identify and show them that you have these skills. Facilitated by Warren and Washington.

January 14 at 10AM: Resume Development – This workshop presents the basics of a powerful and effective cover letter including formatting, tailoring to the job, and getting through the online application process to land an interview. Please have a rough draft of your resume with you. Facilitated by Rensselaer & Columbia-Greene.

January 14 at 10:30AM: Interview Preparation – Learn how to articulate your strengths, what questions to expect, how to address difficult topics, and ace the interviewing process. Facilitated by Schenectady.

January 16 at 11AM: Completing Job Applications – Statistics show approximately 50% of mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system to screen candidates for job opportunities. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers. Facilitated by Warren and Washington.

January 17 at 10:30AM: Networking – Networking is your strategic tool for cultivating lasting relationships, fostering professional growth, and unlocking opportunities. Join us for an approachable journey to understanding networking. Facilitated by Warren and Albany.

January 28 at 11AM: Overcoming Barriers – Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Whether you’re facing transportation needs, childcare needs, prior justice system involvement, inexperience, health concerns or more, this workshop will provide you with resources and strategies to help you meet your goals. Facilitated by Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie.

January 28 at 1:30PM: Social Media – Your social media presence can make or break your ability to find a job. Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted. Facilitated by Schenectady.

Registration is required for all workshops. Visit https://thejoblink.org/calendar/ to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at (518) 884-4170 for more information.  The workshops are offered as part of the Saratoga County Career Center’s WorkPays! workforce education campaign.

The Saratoga County Department of Workforce Development provides comprehensive training and employment services to residents through its Career Center and works with local businesses to attract and retain the local workforce.

The Greater Capital Region Career Centers is a group of local county and city-based Career Centers and partners that coordinate services to address the workforce needs of the Greater Capital Region by providing a variety of career and workforce resources, training opportunities, and more.  Members include Capital Region Workforce New York; Columbia-Green Workforce NY; City of Albany Career Center; L.E.A.P; Rensselaer County Career Center; Saratoga County Career Center; Schenectady County Connects; Warren County Career Center; Workforce Solutions System of Fulton, Montgomery, Schoharie Counties.

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Chairman Barrett said, “On behalf of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, I thank Congresswoman Stefanik for her leadership in getting this bill passed, which will return the Saratoga National Park to its original name, Saratoga National Battlefield Park, and for her longstanding support of preserving and promoting Saratoga County’s Revolutionary history. This name change will clearly identify the historical significance of the park for tourists and locals alike and is a timely honor for this hallowed ground as we near the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga and the American Revolutionary War.”

The Saratoga National Historic Park commemorates the Battles of Saratoga, which were pivotal in securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. The park was originally named Saratoga Battlefield Park when it was designated a historical site in the Towns of Saratoga and Stillwater. The name remained the same when it was designated a New York State historical site in 1927. When it became a national park in 1938, the word battlefield was dropped from its name.

The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution requesting the park’s name change at its June 18, 2024 Board Meeting. The request was made as the County commemorates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga. Saratoga: America’s Turning Point is the county’s multi-year initiative to celebrate the Turning Point of the American Revolution through promotion of heritage tourism, preservation of historical sites, and education of the historical significance of these battles had in our country’s founding. The 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga is in 2027.

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Saratoga County’s per resident spending rate ($1,810) is 13.8% lower than the next lowest county’s rate of $2,061 per resident and 44.5% lower than the average rate for all 57 New York Counties outside of New York City, according to analysis performed by Saratoga County.

The 2025 budget keeps the levy within the state’s property tax cap and reduces the property tax rate by 5%, continuing to provide Saratoga County homeowners with the lowest property tax rate amongst upstate counties at $1.87 per $1,000 of assessed value. This equates to a 15% reduction in the property tax rate over the past four years.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett (Clifton Park) said, “The 2025 budget is a prime example of Saratoga County’s long history of conservative budget practices that prioritize efficient and effective use of taxpayer dollars. Even in the face of unprecedented unfunded mandates and high inflation, Saratoga County’s fiscally conservative practices create an environment where residents keep more of their hard-earned money while still benefiting from essential government services and thriving communities in every corner of the County.”

The County makes a conservative sales tax revenue projection for 2025 of $170 million, amidst higher inflation, a sluggish economy, and uncertainty in future consumer spending habits. The conservative projection comes as the County saw a slower growth rate during the second half of 2024, a trend which officials expect to continue in 2025.

In 2025, unfunded state and federal mandates, which include services such as Medicaid, temporary assistance, and early intervention, among many others, will cost Saratoga County more than $80 million.

Despite rising costs of unfunded mandates, Saratoga County’s conservative budgeting practices help the County to continue its considerable investments in critical programs and services that residents depend on including public safety, public health, and social services, and supports the county workforce with significant investments in personnel, benefits, and training across all departments.

For more information, to view the budget brief, and to read the full 2025 budget, please visit www.SaratogaCountyNY.gov.

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Note to Editor: 2025 Projected NY Counties Per Resident Spending chart attached

Heating equipment, holiday decorations, and an increase in indoor activities during the colder months all contribute to a higher risk of fires. Following a few simple precautions can help protect your home and loved ones this winter season.

Michael Stanley, Deputy Director and Fire Coordinator for the Saratoga County Office of Emergency Management said, “Over the last few weeks, we have seen an uptick in the number of fires within the county. Working smoke detectors are crucial for early fire detection. They give you precious time to escape safely and are essential in waking you up should a fire occur when you are asleep. Don’t wait until it is too late. Make sure you have working smoke detectors installed today and take these additional precautions to reduce the risk of fires to ensure a safe winter for you and your loved ones.”

Top Winter Fire Safety Tips

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
• Replace batteries twice a year, or immediately if the alarm chirps.
• Install alarms at every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.

Heating Equipment:

• Keep all flammable materials, like furniture, curtains, and bedding, at least three feet away from space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves.
• Always turn off portable heaters when leaving a room or going to bed.
• Have your heating system, chimneys, and vents professionally inspected and cleaned annually.

Holiday Decorations:

• Use flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations.
• Check holiday lights for frayed wires or broken bulbs and replace them if damaged.
• Never leave lit candles unattended; use battery-operated candles as a safer alternative.
• Keep live Christmas trees secure in a sturdy stand and sufficiently watered.

Fireplace Safety:

• Use a sturdy screen to prevent sparks and embers from escaping.
• Allow ashes to cool before disposing of them in a metal container, stored at least 10 feet from your home.

Emergency Preparedness:

• Create and practice a home fire escape plan with your family.
• Ensure all exits are clear and accessible in case of an emergency.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in your home and know how to use it.

For more information about fire safety and prevention, visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/OEM.

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The Saratoga County Department of Health (SCDOH) will send each restaurant a new permit that replaces their New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) permit. The new permit is free and is valid for the same period as the restaurant’s current permit. SCDOH is piloting an online permitting system, which will be available to restaurants and mobile food service establishments before the expiration of their existing permits. Each business will receive instructions on how to access the electronic system in early 2025.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett (Clifton Park) said, “The addition of responsibility for restaurants and mobile food service regulation is another important step forward in Saratoga County’s expansion to a full-service health department. Not only will our Department of Health assume these responsibilities from the State at the start of the new year, but we are also modernizing and improving customer service for business owners with an electronic permitting system that will make it easier and more convenient for food service establishments to stay in compliance.”

Daniel Kuhles, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of the Saratoga County Department of Health said, “I am thankful for the support that Chairman Barrett, the Board of Supervisors, and County Administration has provided to the Department and the investment in public health in Saratoga County. Our staff have been completing food service inspections under a memorandum of understanding with NYSDOH for more than a year, so we expect the formal transfer to be seamless for everyone involved.”

Due to Saratoga County’s population increase, the County must assume responsibility for the provision of environmental health services from the NYSDOH. With oversight from the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, Public Health Advisory Task Force, SCDOH’s expansion to a full-service health department began in 2021 and is expected to be completed in 2025. To date, the Department has assumed responsibility for the operation and enforcement of 15 environmental health related sections of New York State Public Health Law and the State Sanitary Code.

For more information about the Saratoga County Department of Health, visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/DOH.

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The purpose of this presentation is to provide an opportunity for individuals to become acquainted with the proposed project to replace the bridge on County Route 91 over the tributary to colonie reservoir in the Town of Clifton Park. At the meeting individuals will be given the opportunity to ask questions and present oral and/or written comments about the project. Written comments will become part of the project record. In addition, project representatives will be available after the formal presentation to meet with individuals one-on-one to discuss details of the project.

This bridge replacement project is scheduled to be completed in 2026. In addition to the replacement of the bridge, construction will include replacement of the approach roadway pavement and guide rail. The goals of the project are to replace the existing deteriorated structure, improve hydraulic resiliency, and provide adequate aquatic organism passage at the crossing. Most of the project costs will be reimbursed by the State and Federal governments.

This public informational meeting is part of the continuing efforts by Saratoga County and the New York State Department of Transportation to encourage public input into the development of transportation projects.

For more information, visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/DPW.

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Driving Near Snowplows:
• Don’t Crowd the Plow: Snowplows are wide, often extending beyond the width of a standard lane. Give them plenty of room to work, maintaining several car lengths between your vehicle and the plow. Staying well behind the plow where the road is freshly plowed is advised.
• Don’t Follow the Plow into an Intersection: Plowing an intersection is one of the most difficult operations for snowplows as they must do several backing maneuvers to clear the intersection of snow and ice. When vehicles follow a plow into the intersection backing up becomes problematic and increases the potential for accidents.
• Avoid Blind Spots: Plows have large blind spots. If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they can’t see you.
• Be Patient: Snowplows travel at slower speeds to clear roads effectively. Maintain a safe distance and don’t tailgate.

“Snowplows and road crews work tirelessly to keep roads clear and safe during winter storms,” said Chad Cooke, Commissioner of the Saratoga County Department of Public Works. “By giving them space and driving cautiously we can help reduce accidents, so everyone reaches their destinations safely.”

Winter Driving Safety Tips:
• Slow Down: Icy roads reduce traction, increasing the risk of accidents. Drive at a speed appropriate for road conditions.
• Increase Following Distance: Keep extra room between your vehicle and others to allow for vehicle braking under icy conditions.
• Clear Your Vehicle: Remove all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, lights, and the vehicle’s roof before driving to ensure full visibility.
• Use Caution on Bridges and Overpasses: These surfaces freeze faster and stay icy longer.
• Pack an Emergency Kit: Include blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a fully charged phone.
• Plan your route, check the weather, and leave early to allow extra travel time: Saratoga County motorists can check traffic conditions and advisories on the county website. The Department of Public Works’ traffic advisory tool displays current road closures, construction, incidents, and weather information.

Saratoga County Department of Public Works Winter Storm Preparedness:
• Saratoga County Department of Public Works (SC DPW) has 24 active snowplow beats.
• The SC DPW operates two shifts per day with a total of 48 active plow drivers and wing operators.
• SC DPW plows 365 miles of roadway countywide.
• SC DPW staff have equipment to manage downed trees and clear roadways, if necessary, during a winter storm event.
• While spreading salt during a countywide winter storm event, one plow beat pass will utilize approximately 390 tons of salt.
• It is not uncommon to spread upwards of 1,900 tons or more of salt for a winter storm event. This, of course, depends on the storm’s severity and duration.
• SC DPW has two garage facilities, one in Ballston Spa and one in Hadley. The County’s salt storage capacity totals 8,300 tons.
• Saratoga County is constantly replenishing its salt stores throughout the winter to be ready for the next big winter weather event.

For more information about Saratoga County Department of Public Works, visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/DPW.

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December 4 at 10AM: Resume Development – This workshop presents the basics of a powerful and effective cover letter including formatting, tailoring to the job, and getting through the online application process to land an interview. Please have a rough draft of your resume with you. Facilitated by Rensselaer & Columbia-Greene.

December 5 at 11AM: Transferable Skills – Transferable skills are qualities you have already acquired which can be used in a different job. Make it easy for employers to see the connection between your qualities and the skillset needed to do the job and market yourself as the solution to an employer’s problem. Learn ways to research the employer’s needs then identify and show them that you have these skills. Facilitated by Warren and Washington.

December 10 at 10:30AM: Interview Preparation – Learn how to articulate your strengths, what questions to expect, how to address difficult topics, and ace the interviewing process. Facilitated by Schenectady.

December 11 at 10AM: Goal Setting – Goals are what take us forward in life. They are the first step in every journey we take. In this workshop we will explain how goal setting works, why goals are important, and take home more helpful resources to get you started. Remember: “if you aim for nothing, you’ll hit it every time.” Find out how to reach your dreams. Facilitated by Washington and Albany.

December 13 at 10:30AM: Networking – Networking is your strategic tool for cultivating lasting relationships, fostering professional growth, and unlocking opportunities. Join us for an approachable journey to understanding networking. Facilitated by Warren and Albany.

December 17 at 11AM: Overcoming Barriers – Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Whether you’re facing transportation needs, childcare needs, prior justice system involvement, inexperience, health concerns or more, this workshop will provide you with resources and strategies to help you meet your goals. Facilitated by Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie.

December 19 at 11AM: Completing Job Applications – Statistics show approximately 50% of mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system to screen candidates for job opportunities. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers. Facilitated by Warren and Washington.

December 31 at 1:30PM: Social Media – Your social media presence can make or break your ability to find a job. Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted. Facilitated by Schenectady.

Registration is required for all workshops. Visit https://thejoblink.org/calendar/ to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at (518) 884-4170 for more information. The workshops are offered as part of the Saratoga County Career Center’s WorkPays! workforce education campaign.

The Saratoga County Department of Workforce Development provides comprehensive training and employment services to residents through its Career Center and works with local businesses to attract and retain the local workforce.

The Greater Capital Region Career Centers is a group of local county and city-based Career Centers and partners that coordinate services to address the workforce needs of the Greater Capital Region by providing a variety of career and workforce resources, training opportunities, and more. Members include Capital Region Workforce New York; Columbia-Green Workforce NY; City of Albany Career Center; L.E.A.P; Rensselaer County Career Center; Saratoga County Career Center; Schenectady County Connects; Warren County Career Center; Workforce Solutions System of Fulton, Montgomery, Schoharie Counties.

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