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January 18, 2023Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Elects Kusnierz to Third Term as Chair
The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors reelected Theodore T. Kusnierz, Jr. (Moreau) as Chairman of the Board during its 2023 Organizational Meeting on January 4, 2023. This is Kusnierz’s third term as Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors.
Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Theodore T. Kusnierz, Jr. said, “It’s truly an honor to be elected to a third term as Chairman of the Board and I appreciate the confidence my colleagues have placed in me to represent the interests of Saratoga County. Together, we have had great success by enacting policies that have made Saratoga County the fastest growing county in upstate New York, where our residents have the lowest real property tax rate and sales tax rate in the state. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure this incredible work continues on behalf of our residents and that Saratoga County remains an exceptional place to live work and visit.”
Kusnierz laid out his goals for 2023 during the Organizational Meeting of the Board of Supervisors.
Fighting the Scourge of Substance Abuse in Saratoga County:
Saratoga County will utilize Opioid Settlement Funds to expand efforts to mitigate the growing influence of drugs and addiction in our communities through a variety of innovative programs and investments. The County has multiple efforts underway to raise awareness of the dangers of substance abuse, to provide preventative and treatment measures to residents, and to provide law enforcement the tools and resources needed to combat the growing influence of drugs and alcohol in Saratoga County. Funds will also support programs through the County Mental Health and Addiction Services Office to assist those currently battling addiction and to help their families navigate the healthcare system, creating a stronger support system to those struggling with addiction and their families. Saratoga County received $884,509 in Opioid Settlement Funds in 2022.
Ensuring Public Health through Expansion of County Health Department:
The Saratoga County Department of Health expansion project will reach a significant milestone in 2023, as the Department takes over enforcement of regulations that protect the public’s health, safety, and environment related to food, water, and indoor air quality in restaurants, camps, pools, beaches, hotels, motels, and fairgrounds within Saratoga County. The Lead Prevention Program will begin during the first quarter of 2023. Chairman Kusnierz stated the County will invest in the Department’s staffing, technology, and equipment needs to ensure they have the resources necessary to protect the health and wellbeing Saratoga County residents and visitors.
Promoting Heritage Tourism & the 250th Anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga:
Chairman Kusnierz stated the County will continue its support of the Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission, ensuring that the investments made during the commemorative period have a lasting impact on historic preservation and tourism in Saratoga County. The County will continue to support the Commission’s goals to promote public education of the important role our area played as America’s Turning Point; to increase heritage tourism in Saratoga County; and to improve infrastructure dedicated to historic sites.
Chairman Kusnierz also thanked the County workforce for their dedication in providing residents necessary services and programs. The Chairman also noted the county’s $30 million renovation to upgrade the County Airport will begin in 2023, signifying the County’s continuing commitment to investing in infrastructure, and stated that the County will expand its role in economic development during 2023, working with partners including SEDC, the Chambers of Commerce, SPAC, and NYRA.
Jean Raymond (Edinburg) was recognized as the longest serving Supervisor in Saratoga County’s history with 2023 marking her 36th year.
During the Organizational Meeting, the Board of Supervisors elected Jonathan Schopf (Clifton Park) as Vice-Chair; the Board adopted its 2023 rules and schedule of regular meetings; and several appointments to county boards were made.
The Board of Supervisors Law and Finance Committee was announced with Committee assignments to be announced at a later date.
To read the agenda and to view the webcast of the full meeting, please visit www.saratogacountyny.gov.
