Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) related to Ulster County’s Boards, Commissions & Advisory Committees and the application process. If you still have questions after reviewing this page, please feel free to reach out to the Legislative Office at 845-340-3800, or by email to LegAppointments@co.ulster.ny.us.
A: Some Boards, such as the Charter Revision Commission and the Commission on Reapportionment, are empaneled in specific years. The application button will only appear in the years these Boards are empaneled. Other Boards are appointed by the County Executive and must be applied to through that office. For those Boards appointed by the County Executive, a link to the County Executive’s application will be available on the “Board Details” page.
A: Yes. If the “Apply” button appears on the Board’s page, you may apply to serve on that Board. The term start and end dates are the most important consideration for each Board.
Specific Boards require an appointee to stay in their seat until the next appointment is completed, so while it may appear that there are no vacancies, a need to appoint an individual still exists.
If there are truly no vacancies and the appointing authority is not actively considering applications, the Legislative Office will notify you of that status and save your application for review and consideration when the next vacancy occurs.
A: No. Ulster County’s Boards are composed of volunteers.
A: Each Board title is displayed on the left. Clicking on a Board Title will pull up the “Board Details” page for that specific Board. This page will display a description of the Board, the enabling legislation which established and/or governs the Board, the Board seats’ term length, contact information, applicable appointment criteria, and frequently a website for the Board, where applicable. Clicking on the “Member Roster” toggle will display the seats, currently appointed individuals, the appointing authorit(y/ies), and the term start and end dates for each seat. It is encouraged that you research any enabling legislation and available websites to learn more about the Board.
A: The County’s Boards, Commissions & Advisory Committees all vary in their time commitments and requirements for serving. Most County Boards, Commissions & Advisory Committees meet once or twice a month for 1-2 hours on a set day and location. However, some Boards meet quarterly or even as little as twice a year, or on an as-needed basis. Occasionally, some Boards will also ask members to volunteer, complete additional work outside of the regularly scheduled meeting, or to serve on a subcommittee that reports back to the entire Board.
Term length and term limits are defined on each of the Board’s individual details pages. Reviewing any available Agendas and Minutes which may be posted on a Board’s website may provide some insight into the frequency of meetings and the amount of business covered during each of these meetings.
The Legislature encourages members to be as engaged as possible!
A: Each Board has different requirements. Please be sure to review the “Board Details” page under the section entitled “Appointment Criteria” which will list specific requirements for serving on each individual Board. If you are uncertain whether you meet the qualifications, you can still apply. The Legislative Office will review your application for such requirements. If it is determined that you are ineligible to serve on a specific Board or under a specific seat, the Legislative Office will notify you of this status and may be able to assist you in determining where your skills can be utilized.
A: Some Boards have required appointment criteria such as residency in a specific municipality, required experience, or a specific employment role. You can review these requirements by clicking on the “Board Details” page and reviewing the section entitled “Appointment Criteria”. If you are uncertain whether you meet the qualifications, you can still apply. The Legislative Office will review your application for such requirements. If it is determined that you are ineligible to serve on a specific Board or under a specific seat, the Legislative Office will notify you of this status and may be able to assist you in determining where your skills can be utilized.
A: The Appointing Authority is the individual or body who makes the determination of who fills a specific seat on a Board. Applications submitted through this portal will be provided to the relevant Appointing Authority for consideration.
A: Applicants are ultimately chosen by the Appointing Authority. Seats which are nominated or recommended to the Appointing Authority by a Legislative Committee may require an interview in a public committee meeting. Other seats may require a meeting, telephone conversation, or virtual meeting with the Chair of the Legislature, the Majority Leader, or the Minority Leader. Once an application is received, the Legislative Office will contact you on the next steps.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Legislative Office at 845-340-3800 or
LegAppointments@co.ulster.ny.us.
