Referred to: The Ways and Means Committee (Chairman Gavaris and Legislators Cahill, Criswell, Roberts, and Ronk)

Legislator Phil Erner offers the following:

WHEREAS, Local Law No. 6 of 2021, A Local Law Requiring The Payment Of A Living Wage To Employees Of Contractors And Subcontractors That Provide Services To Ulster County, was adopted by the Ulster County Legislature on August 17, 2021, and became law after being filed with New York State Department of State on September 27, 2021; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of Local Law No. 6 of 2021 was to ensure that employees of County contractors and subcontractors earn an hourly wage that is sufficient for a family of four to live at or above the federal poverty level; and

WHEREAS,payment of $15.00 per hour does not accomplish the intended purpose of Local Law No. 6 of 2021; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 4 B. of Local Law 6 of 2021, “The Living Wage shall be an amount no less than fifteen ($15.00) dollars per hour worked, in addition to retirement, health or other benefits received by the covered employee. This amount may be increased by Resolution of the County Legislature to take into account current market conditions (e.g. inflation, changes in the consumer price index). Any such increase in the Living Wage shall be posted on the website for the Ulster County Purchasing Department,” now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, the Living Wage in Ulster County shall be an amount no less than thirty ($30.00) dollars per hour worked, in addition to retirement, health or other benefits received by any employee of Ulster County and employees of contractors and subcontractors that provide services to Ulster County; and, be it further

RESOLVED, the updated Living Wage shall apply to all Ulster County employees effective January 1, 2024; and, be it further

RESOLVED, the updated Living Wage for employees of contractors and subcontractors that provide services to Ulster County shall be effective for any contract for services negotiated after January 1, 2024; and, be it further

RESOLVED, the updated Living Wage shall be posted on the website for the Ulster County Purchasing Department on January 1, 2024,

and move its adoption.

ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:                       NOES:      

Passed Committee: Ways and Means on ____________. 

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

$33,796,291.00 – APPROXIMATE ADDITIONAL COUNTY APPROPRIATIONS;

       REDUCTION TO FUND BALANCE