September

October 1 at 10:30AM and October 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, and Schenectady.

October 1 at 11AM and October 15 at 1:30PM: 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 Saratoga, Washington and Schenectady.

October 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.

October 14 at 10AM and October 27 at 1:30PM: 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, Albany, and Schenectady.

October 8 at 11AM: Essential Skills for Success in Any Workplace – Join this engaging workshop to learn about the skills that are most valued by business leaders yet are underdeveloped by employees. Learn why these skills are critically important, how to develop them, and the influence of AI. Facilitated by Albany.

October 19 at 12PM: Broadview Financial Well-Being – Your budget is a key that opens doors, guiding you to your money goals. Get ready to take control of your finances and your future! Find out how to organize what you make, spend, and save; set goals to save up, spend down, look ahead; harness the power of mindful spending; and identify budget tactics that work best for you. Facilitated by Broadview and Schenectady.

October 15 at 11AM and October 20 at 10:30AM: 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 Schenectady, Saratoga, and Washington.

October 16 at 10:30AM and October 28 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 Albany, Warren, and Schenectady.

October 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.

October 22 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 www.saratogacountyny.gov/workforce 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 property tax exemption applies to only the County’s portion of the property tax bill, providing qualified veterans with a full exemption of property taxes levied by Saratoga County. This local law doesn’t affect property taxes levied by other taxing jurisdictions, such as a city, town, village, special district, or school district which must separately elect to offer the full exemption on property taxes they levy.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Phil Barrett (Clifton Park) said, “We want veterans and their families to know they are valued members of our community and that Saratoga County is a place where they can put down roots. By exempting the county’s portion of the property tax bill, we’re providing meaningful tax relief that may help eligible veterans who have sustained serious service-related disabilities stay in their home or purchase a home right here in Saratoga County. On behalf of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, I’m proud to continue our long-standing support of our veterans with enacting this local law that will make a real difference for many veterans and their families.”

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and Chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ian Murray (Saratoga) said, “Fully disabled wartime veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to protect the freedoms and communities we value, and we believe that commitment deserves to be recognized. This property tax exemption provides a tangible way to show our appreciation to veterans who in the course of their duty sustained a 100% disability and supports Saratoga County’s ongoing appreciation of our many veterans and their families.”

To qualify, the applicant must be a qualified owner as defined in SECTION 458-a of the NYS Real Property Tax Law; and
• be an eligible veteran with a 100% Permanent & Total Disability Compensation rating by the VA; OR
• have a Total Disability due to Unemployability (TDIU) designation by the VA; AND have a Permanent and Total designation.

The exemption is part of Section 458-a of the Real Property Tax Law, and thus the same forms that are used now for the Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption, RP 458-a or RP 458-a-Dis, will be used for this exemption. Eligible veterans are encouraged to contact their local assessor’s office to ensure the required documentation is on file, even if they’ve already filed RP 458-a or RP-a-Dis. Assessors may request veterans re-apply with updated information.

The county property tax exemption for qualified veterans will be applied to the 2028 taxes.

Veterans with questions should contact their local assessor’s office. Veterans who need assistance accessing VA benefits may contact the Saratoga County Veterans Services Agency at 518-884-4115.

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Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services administers Youth Development Program (YDP) funds that serve youth under 21 years of age and that are designed to promote positive youth development.

The grants support programs such as summer camps, general recreation opportunities, cultural events/activities that promote self-expression and diversity, programs that allow youth to learn about themselves and those around them, and safe out-of-school-time programs that help prevent juvenile delinquency and gives youth a safe place to go.

The following organizations received YDP funding for 2026/2027:

• Town of Ballston – $8,302
• Town of Charlton – $5,654
• Town of Clifton Park – $17,211
• Town of Corinth – $6,525
• Town of Day – $4,570
• Town of Edinburg – $4,762
• Town of Galway – $5,492
• Town of Greenfield – $6,762
• Town of Hadley – $4,098
• Town of Halfmoon – $13,658
• Town of Malta – $8,538
• Town of Milton – $10,072
• Town of Moreau – $9,160
• Town of Northumberland – $6,080
• Town of Providence – $4,995
• Town of Saratoga – $6,154
• Town of Stillwater – $6,843
• Town of Waterford – $6,762
• Town of Wilton – $9,765
• City of Mechanicville – $5,884
• City of Saratoga Springs Recreation Commission/Together for Youth – $9,943
• Greater Schuylerville Youth Center – $10,000
• Mechanicville Area Community Services Center – $10,000
• Moreau Community Center – $10,000
• Stillwater Area Community Center – $10,000
• Saratoga County Community Development – $1,000

The County has prioritized funding community programs that are accessible to youth in each municipality and that reduce barriers that impede participation by youth. These may include community centers with open door policies for youth in need and programs that provide free transportation or offer low-cost participation through scholarships.

Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services administers youth development funding through allocations awarded to the County annually from NYS Office of Children and Family Services. The New York State Youth Development Program allows the County to retain 15% for program administration. Agencies, municipalities and community-based organizations with youth programs must apply through the Department of Aging and Youth Services.

For more information, contact the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4100 or visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/youth.

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No appointment is necessary. Caregivers are encouraged to stop by at their convenience to learn about available support and resources.

Many residents throughout Saratoga County provide daily care for a parent, spouse, grandchild, family member, friend, or neighbor while balancing careers, families, and personal responsibilities. Saratoga County’s Community-Based Outreach and Support Services sessions aim to make it easier for caregivers to learn more about the resources available to them.

During the session, staff will provide one-on-one assistance and answer questions from caregivers. Residents can learn about or get assistance with local programs and support groups for caregivers benefits such as Medicaid, HEAP, SNAP, caregiver training services, home-based services, transportation options, personal emergency response plans, and respite care services.

Sandra Cross, Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services Director said, “This initiative is about meeting caregivers where they are—both geographically and in their caregiving journey. We want to make it easier for individuals to access support, ask questions, and feel connected to a network of resources in Saratoga County.”

For more information, please contact the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4100.

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Passport Nights will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 1, and Tuesday, November 10, at the Saratoga County Clerk’s Office, 40 McMaster St., Ballston Spa. Appointments are required.

For the past three years, the County Clerk’s Office has offered a single Passport Night in the early fall. This year, the office is expanding the program to two evenings to provide additional opportunities for residents whose schedules make it difficult to visit during regular business hours.

“Passport Night has become a great option for people who need the flexibility of an evening appointment, so we decided to expand it and offer a second night this year,” Saratoga County Clerk Craig A. Hayner said. “We want to make the process of applying for a passport as convenient as possible for area residents.”

The Saratoga County Clerk’s Office offers passport services in a comfortable setting with knowledgeable staff available to guide applicants through the process and answer questions.

Appointments for the Thursday, October 1, Passport Night are now being scheduled. Appointments for the Tuesday, November 10, Passport Night will begin being scheduled October 20.

To schedule an appointment for October 1, call the Saratoga County Clerk’s Office at 518-885-2213. Those interested in an appointment for November 10 should call beginning October 20.

Application forms will be available, and photos can be taken on site. Those planning to attend also can download a copy of the passport application at www.travel.state.gov and fill them out in advance. However, the applications must be signed in front of an acceptance agent at the Clerk’s Office.

Applicants should bring:
• An original or a certified copy of their birth certificate with a raised seal (including parents’ names on the certificate) and, if possible, a photocopy (front and back)
• Their photo ID and, if possible, a photocopy (front and back)
• A check or money order (one per passport application) made out to the Department of State to cover the application fee (See below for details.)
• Cash or separate check to cover the processing fees and passport photos (if having them taken on site)

Children younger than 18 must have both parents present when applying.

Passport fees are as follows:
• Passport books — $130 for adult applications and $100 for children under the age of 16.
• Passport cards — $30 for adults and $15 for children under the age of 16. (Note that they are only good for land travel.)
• Processing fee — $35 for each application
• Passport photos — $10
• Expedited service — $60 per applicant

According to the U.S. Department of State, current processing times are about 4-6 weeks or about 2-3 weeks for expedited applications. Processing times can vary, however.

Passport renewals for those who were issued a 10-year passport previously must be mailed by the applicant. However, the required new photo can be obtained at the County Clerk’s Office.

Regular hours for passport services are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

For more information, visit the website at https://www.saratogacountyny.gov/departments/county-clerk/passports/.

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Under updated USPS guidance announced earlier this year, a postmark reflects the date a mail piece is processed at a postal facility rather than the date it was deposited in the mail. Therefore, mail placed in a mailbox on a particular day may not receive a postmark until a later date.

For this reason, Saratoga County Board of Elections officials strongly encourage voters to return their vote by mail ballots early. Voters may return these ballots by mail or in-person to an open poll site or the Saratoga County Board of Elections office.

New York State election law permits ballots to be postmarked up through election day. Voters who choose to mail a ballot close to this deadline may request a manual or hand-stamped postmark at a USPS retail counter. These are available at no charge upon request. Properly postmarked ballots must be received by the Saratoga County Board of Elections within seven days of election day.

IMPORTANT DATES & INFORMATION:
• October 24, 2026: Last day for board of elections to receive application or letter of application by mail or online portal for General Election ballot.
• October 24-November 1, 2026: Early in-person and mail-in voting occurs.
• November 3, 2026: Election Day, General Election.

EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS IN SARATOGA COUNTY:
• BOE/Auditorium: 50 West High St, Ballston Spa
• Clifton Park Center Mall: Movie Entrance, Clifton Park
• Greenfield Firehouse #1: 13 S. Greenfield Rd, Greenfield Center
• Malta Community Center: 1 Bayberry Dr, Malta
• Saratoga Springs Rec Center: 15 Vanderbilt Ave, Saratoga Springs
• Gavin Park: 10 Lewis Dr., Wilton

ALL EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS ARE OPEN AT THE FOLLOWING DATES & TIMES:
• Saturday, October 24: 9am – 5pm
• Sunday, October 25: 9am – 5pm
• Monday, October 26: noon – 8pm
• Tuesday, October 27: 9am – 5pm
• Wednesday, October 28: noon – 8pm
• Thursday, October 29: 9am – 5pm
• Friday, October 30: 9am – 5pm
• Saturday, October 31: 9am – 5pm
• Sunday, November 1: 9am – 5pm

For more information about the upcoming election and voting options, voters may contact the Saratoga County Board of Elections at 518-885-2249 or visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/BOE.

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New York State Mental Hygiene Law requires all counties in the State to have a Community Services Board. In Saratoga County, the CSB actively plans and develops services to meet the needs of people with psychiatric illnesses, addictive disorders, and/or developmental disabilities. It is comprised of up to fifteen members of the community with demonstrated interest in the provision of care and includes professionals, service providers, and family members.

The Saratoga County Community Services Board meets every other month at 4PM at the County’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services building, typically on the last Thursday of the month unless otherwise noted. Meetings are open to the public; those attending should contact the office at 518-584-9030 on the day of the meeting to confirm it is being held as scheduled.

For more information, visit the Mental Health and Addiction Services page on SaratogaCountyNY.gov.

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