July

Event partners included the Cyber & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the New York State Executive Chamber, the New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services (DHSES), the New York State Police (NYSP), and the New York State Office of Information Technology Services (ITS).

The training events took place in Westchester, Saratoga, Onondaga, and Erie counties between July 23 – July 26, offering collaborative opportunities for government entities, election administrators, law enforcement, and information technology experts alike. In addition to representatives from the County Boards of Elections, county information technology professionals, emergency managers, and communications directors participated.

Presentations featured information about election security best practices, incident response processes, cybersecurity regulations, voting equipment and software, and combatting mis- and disinformation about elections. The tabletop exercises examined coordination and response capabilities during a variety of hypothetical cyber and physical security incidents impacting elections.

The 2024 General Election is November 5, 2024. Early Voting will occur from October 26, 2024, through November 3, 2024. For information about registering to vote, requesting a ballot, or finding your polling place, voters should visit the New York State Board of Elections website at https://elections.ny.gov/.

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August 1 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.

August 7 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.

August 13 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.

August 21 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.

August 22 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.

August 23 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.

August 27 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.

August 27 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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The Saratoga County Animal Shelter currently houses 16 incredible Pitbull’s and Pitbull mixes, each with their own unique personality and charm. This special adoption event is specifically focused on finding loving homes for Pitbull and Pitbull mixes. The event aims to raise awareness about the misunderstood breed and promote their adoption. In addition, there are a diverse range of more than 44 adorable cats, all longing for a loving and caring environment to call their own.

To ensure a smooth adoption process, potential adopters should fill out the application ahead of time at the Saratoga County Animal Shelter’s website (https://saratogacountyanimalshelter.com/adopter-profile/). This will help shelter staff and volunteers understand potential adopters’ preferences and match them with the perfect companion.

The Bully Bash Adoption Day Event is a family-friendly event where attendees can spend quality time with the shelter’s furry friends and interact with dedicated staff. Please note that while shelter staff and volunteers love all pets, they kindly request that attendees do not bring pets to the event. To streamline the adoption process during this event, the shelter will accept cash or check payments only. The shelter also encourages people to bring dog or cat food or cat litter to the adoption event for donation to a local food pantry. The Saratoga County Animal Shelter regularly partners with area food pantries to provide items that help keep pets in their homes.

Before attending the Bully Bash Adoption Day Event, potential adopters are encouraged visit the Saratoga County Animal Shelter website for a sneak peek of the adoptable animals to become familiarized with their profiles.

For more information visit www.saratogacountyanimalshelter.com.

Media is invited and encouraged to attend.

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County Officials, including the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Emergency Management, and Department of Public Works are working closely with National Grid and advise that this could be a long-duration restoration event.

Saratoga County Sheriff Michael H. Zurlo said, “It is imperative that people stay off the roadways while we continue our emergency response and restoration efforts, not only for the safety of travelers, emergency services, and response crews, but also to allow for a swift restoration of power and clearing of roadways. If you try to travel in this area, you will be denied access. If you have an emergency, dial 911. Emergency services personnel are in the area to help.”

ROAD CLOSURES:
• South Shore Road from Foxhill Road to County Route 10 (West Mountain Rd)
• North Shore Road has limited access to allow for emergency crews to continue restoration efforts.
• Various roads in the Towns of Edinburg and Day may be closed temporarily to allow for uninterrupted access for restoration and emergency crews.

UPDATES:
• Door to door welfare checks will take place today on South Shore from Foxhill Road to County Route 10 (West Mountain Rd).
• Travel is restricted in area and numerous roads remain closed.
• The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office is actively involved with numerous patrols in the area and reminds residents this is an active State of Emergency.
• EMS agencies are staged in the area to assist residents.
• Local, County, and State officials, as well as 50 volunteers are assisting with response efforts.
• National Grid has deployed an additional 60 response crews to the area.
• Residents with non-emergency issues or questions should contact their town halls. Day: 518-696-3789 Edinburg: 518-863-2034

Town of Edinburg and Town of Day residents and those with camps or second homes in the area are urged to avoid areas with storm damage and stay away from downed lines while crews work with National Grid to safely clear the areas. Much of the damage cannot be addressed until downed wires are de-energized by National Grid.

More updates will be sent as the situation develops. Residents are encouraged to follow the County’s social media for additional updates.

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A state of emergency gives government entities the ability to set emergency rules, such as road closures and allows for an accelerated process to contract for any necessary emergency resources. It also helps make municipalities eligible for any federal aid that may become available.

Saratoga County DPW crews continue to work with National Grid to clear roadways. The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and Saratoga County Saratoga County Office of Emergency Management are in the area to continue public safety response efforts.

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County Officials, including the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Emergency Management, and Department of Public Works are working closely with National Grid and advise that this could be a long-duration restoration event.

Town of Edinburg and Town of Day residents and those with camps or second homes in the area are urged to avoid areas with storm damage and stay away from downed lines while crews work with National Grid to safely clear the areas. Much of the damage cannot be addressed until downed wires are de-energized by National Grid.

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office is actively involved with patrols in the area and reminds residents this is an active State of Emergency as declared by the Governor.

The following roads are currently closed:

• Town of Day:
o North Shore Road between Min Allen Road and Hadley Hill Road & from Snow Road to Military Road
o South Shore Road from County Route 10 to the Batchellerville Bridge
o Hadley Hill Road
o Sacandaga Ave
o Turner Road
o Lebanon Road

• Town of Edinburg:
o Foxhill Road
o South Shore Road from Foxhill Rd to County Route 10
o North Shore Road from Military Road to Town of Day Line
o Snow Road

More updates will be sent as the situation develops. Residents can follow the County’s social media for additional updates.

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Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett (Clifton Park) said, “We were pleased to work with our CSEA partners to reach an agreement that provides a fair and balanced contract for both our dedicated employees and the taxpayers of Saratoga County. The mediation process was a positive experience for both the County negotiating team and CSEA leadership and worked as intended, bringing a swift resolution that satisfies both parties’ interests.”

The contract covers January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2028.

Highlights of the CSEA collective bargaining agreement include:

• Wage Increases: A $4,000 increase at signing, which equates to a 7.3% pay increase based on the average CSEA salary, and a 2.95% annual wage increase in each year from 2025 to 2028. Retroactive payments will be made to employees on payroll from January 1, 2024.
• Compensatory Time: New language allows for automatic rollover of 40 hours of comp time to be used the next year, with the County retaining the right to buy out comp time in excess of 40 hours with notice by November 1st each year.
• Health Insurance Premium Contributions: Gradual increase in employee contributions toward health and dental premiums based on hire date beginning in 2026 for those who currently contribute less than 20%. Fifteen-percent contributors increase to 16% in 2026, 18% in 2027 and 20% in 2028. Five-percent contributors increase to 6% in 2026, 8% in 2027, and 10% in 2028.
• Health Insurance Co-pays: Co-pays will remain the same for the remainder of 2024 with nominal increases beginning in 2025 for office visits, specialist visits, emergency room visits, and prescriptions.
• Additional Holiday: The addition of Juneteeth as a paid holiday, providing employees with a total of 12 paid holidays each year.
• Vacation: An updated vacation schedule based on years of service to extend additional day per year of service for years four through 11.

The agreement also includes other adjustments and administrative changes. The full contract will be made available on the human resources page at www.saratogacountyny.gov once it is ratified.

This is the fourth contract the County has negotiated in the past two years: twice with CSEA and once each with UPSEU, and PBA.

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The Saratoga County Farmland and Open Space Grant Program helps permanently protect agricultural and open space lands including farmland, natural areas, wildlife habitats, preserves, and other important open spaces within Saratoga County.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett (Clifton Park) said, “The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors is proud of our efforts to preserve more than 6,000 acres of open space and farmland over the past 20 years allowing the exponential expansion of our parks and recreation network. We have proactively invested in preserving a balance between our preservation efforts and economic development to ensure sustainable growth that nourishes both our economy and the environment.”

Chair of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Trails and Open Space Committee, Supervisor Joe Grasso (Charlton) said, “Preserving open space and protecting farmland while promoting smart growth in Saratoga County is a priority for the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. Our Farmland and Open Space Program helps to protect our vital farmland and preserve the County’s vast open spaces that provide beauty to our landscape, recreational opportunities for our residents, and support our strong agricultural economy.”

Executive Director of Saratoga PLAN Rob Davies said, “Saratoga PLAN is thankful to the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors for their longstanding commitment to preserving open space and protecting farmland throughout the County. Preserving open space requires a collective effort between communities, governments, and organizations and Saratoga County has been an essential partner in our ongoing efforts. Saratoga PLAN looks forward to continuing and strengthening our partnership with the County on open space protection in the future.”

The 2024 award recipients are:

The Town of Moreau received a grant award of $38,203 for Open Space Preservation of the Kropp-Rowson Palmertown Ridge for the preservation of approximately 81-acres of mixed forest and meadowed property.

The Town of Northumberland received a grant award of $382,771 for Farmland Protection of the Butler Family Farm for the protection of approximately 75-acres of cropland.

The Town of Stillwater received a grant award of $183,332 for Farmland Protection of the Tanner Ridge Farm for the protection of approximately 47.10-acres of equestrian farmland.

Saratoga County has preserved more than 6,000 acres of farmland and open space since 2003 through its Farmland Protection and Open Space Preservation grant program.

For more information about the County’s Farmland and Open Space Program, visit the Saratoga County Planning and Economic Development Department page at www.saratogacountyny.gov.

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