April

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett (Clifton Park) states, “The transition to a full-service health department is not just a change in structure; it is a vital investment in the health and well-being of our community. We have worked closely with NYS DOH for a couple of years to transfer Environmental Health responsibilities as we recruited professionals to join our team. Dr. Kuhles and our DOH team will provide streamlined processes and efficient customer service, while taking proactive measures to maintain a safe environment for all.”

Daniel Kuhles, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of the Saratoga County Department of Health said, “Our staff have worked diligently throughout the transition, and are ready to take on this responsibility to better serve our community and respond to their needs efficiently and effectively. I am grateful for the leadership of Chairman Barrett, the Board of Supervisors and County Administration throughout the transition. Its success is also a product of the support from the New York State Department of Health, especially their Glens Falls District Office, whose staff facilitated the ease of this transition.”

Supervisor and Chairman of Health & Human Services Committee, Joe Grasso, says, “Transitioning to a full-service health department allows us to reimagine health in Saratoga County from a new perspective, fostering a proactive approach that prioritizes community well-being and environmental safety.”

Robert Swider, Associate Commissioner and Regional Director of the Capital District Regional Office for New York State Department of Health says, “County, regional and state partners have all made tremendous contributions to implement this transition. The Department’s Capital District Regional Office and Center for Environmental Health look forward to supporting Saratoga County in running a successful environmental health program.”

This significant change comes in response to the county’s growing population, necessitating the assumption of environmental health services from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) in accordance with NY Public Health Law Article 340. The County began the transition to a full-service local health department in 2021 working cooperatively with the NYSDOH and with oversight from the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Public Health Advisory Task Force. As of April 1, 2025, Saratoga County Department of Health (SCDOH) has assumed responsibility for all 22 mandated programs of Environmental Health from New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and is currently enforcing programs such as restaurant inspections, children’s camps inspections, investigate lead poisoning, and more to ensure clean and safe environments.

Saratoga County has made it a priority to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and modernization during this transition. For example, SCDOH has implemented an online permitting system. This allows for a faster turnaround for permits to be issued, allowing businesses to remain open and reducing processing time for SCDOH staff.

Moreover, Saratoga County continues to be recognized as one of the healthiest counties in the nation, according to the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps annual data release. This commitment to public health and community well-being remains at the forefront of the county’s initiatives.

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

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“Over the past few weeks, we have been seeing in the neighborhood of 800 additional customers each week across all Saratoga County locations combined,” Saratoga County Clerk Craig A. Hayner said. “Our staff has been doing a tremendous job assisting customers and completing transactions efficiently, but longer wait times are unfortunately a reality with this influx.”

To ensure the best experience for Saratoga County DMV customers, Hayner is offering some reminders and tips to help relieve concerns and assist people in navigating the REAL ID requirements.

He points out that the May 7 deadline set by the federal Department of Homeland Security only relates to when “REAL ID-compliant” identification will be required to board planes flying within the United States and to enter certain federal buildings.

“If you plan to travel domestically by air in June or afterwards, you may want to consider delaying your visit to DMV until 45 to 60 days out to avoid the influx of customers and longer wait times currently being experienced,” Hayner said.

In addition, Hayner emphasized that the state-issued Standard Driver’s License and Standard Non-driver ID will remain a valid ID in New York State.

“If you don’t travel by air domestically or enter certain federal buildings where a REAL ID is required, you can continue to use your Standard Driver’s License/Non-driver ID. No need to upgrade,” he said. “You are not required to upgrade to a REAL ID. It is a personal choice.”

Hayner reminds residents that a U.S. passport also is a form of REAL ID and is good for domestic and international flights. Other forms of REAL ID that will be accepted to board a plane after May 7 can be found on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website at www.TSA.gov/id.

For those who need to visit the DMV, Hayner advises making sure you have documents ready when you arrive to ensure your transaction goes smoothly and efficiently. “Keep in mind that it is a federal requirement that all documents be original and in proper form to be scanned and uploaded to the state and federal agencies,” he said.

“As always, I am extremely proud of our DMV staff members, who continue to professionally handle the major influx of customers on a daily basis,” Hayner said. “We thank you and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this significant spike in demand.”

For more information about the forms of ID available through the DMV and what documents are required for each, go to https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/enhanced-or-real-id.

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While any two lights will work, residents are encouraged to check with their local town hall or visit the County office building at 40 McMaster Street in Ballston Spa to get two free Saratoga America’s Turning Point branded luminaries.

What is Two Lights for Tomorrow? The nationwide initiative is part of the upcoming America 250 semiquincentennial observance in 2026. It honors the legendary moment when Paul Revere signaled the approach of British troops with two lanterns in Boston’s Old North Church. It represents the spirit of unity, vigilance, and the enduring quest for freedom. In Saratoga County, the event is led by the Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission.

How to Participate Shine any two lights, candles, luminaries or lanterns, etc., in your windows or on your porch on the evening of April 18th, symbolizing the two lanterns hung in the church steeple. Share your participation on social media with #Saratoga250 and enter to win Saratoga America’s Turning Point merchandise. Prizes will be given for the most creative illumination, most creative location, and most patriotic display.

Throughout the week of April 14-18th, the Saratoga County 250th Commission will host related children’s programs at libraries throughout Saratoga County. Check with your local library for availability.

Saratoga County 250th Commission Chair Lauren Roberts said, “Let’s light up Saratoga County with the glow of liberty to honor the spirit of cooperation and courage that helped ignite the American Revolution. Together, we can make Two Lights for Tomorrow a shining moment in our commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary while also celebrating Saratoga County’s rich revolutionary history.”

For more information, please visit www.saratoga250.com.

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