Referred to: The American Rescue Plan Act Special Committee (Chairman Corcoran and Legislators Clinton, Levine, Lopez, and Sperry), The Health, Human Services and Housing Committee (Chairman Uchitelle and Legislators Collins, Corcoran, Harmon, Kitchen, Lopez, and McCollough), and the Ways and Means Committee (Chairman Gavaris and Legislators Collins, Hansut, Kovacs, Nolan, and Roberts)

Chairman of the ARPA Special Committee, Thomas Corcoran, Jr., and Deputy Chair Megan Sperry offer the following:

WHEREAS, the Ulster County Department of Mental Health has established that the implementation and operation parameters to establish Respite Houses in Ulster County have significant barriers, including a lack of housing inventory in certain locations, concerns about program sustainability without ongoing county contributions, and other logistical challenges that hinder the immediate establishment of such facilities; and

            WHEREAS, with the establishment of the Ulster County Center for Well-Being, serving as a comprehensive hub that houses the Department of Mental Health and  community support programs on-site; and

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 424.1 dated October 19, 2021 established a policy for Ulster County to have a Crisis Stabilization Center to be located at the Ulster County Center for Well-Being and to operate 24 hours/day, 7 days per week, with sufficient staffing including administrative staff, credentialed alcohol and substance use counselors (CASAC), social workers, and/or otherwise licensed counselor, case managers, and certified recovery peer advocates (CPRA); and

WHEREAS, with Crisis Centers often serving vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing mental health crises, substance use issues, or domestic violence situations, necessitating appropriate security measures to ensure their safety and protection is vital; and

WHEREAS, with priority given to ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals accessing the Ulster County Crisis Center’s services it is essential there is a visible security presence at the Ulster County Center for Well-Being to assist in creating a safe and secure environment for both staff and clients, reducing the risk of violence, harm, or disruption to services; and

WHEREAS, collaborating with the Sheriff's Department to provide security on-site offers access to trained law enforcement personnel with expertise in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques and enhances collaboration in crisis response, improving access to resources for both providers and law enforcement and building community trust and engagement, while reducing stigma; and

WHEREAS, the presence of these officers can help mitigate potential conflicts, provide reassurance to clients and staff, and facilitate prompt response to emergencies or incidents that may arise at the Center for Well-Being; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Ulster County Legislature acknowledges the importance of maintaining a security presence at the crisis center and authorizes collaboration with the Sheriff's Department to provide security services that will enhance the safety and security of staff and individuals accessing crisis intervention and support services; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that acknowledging the high-priority need for security at the Ulster County Center for Well-Being, and acknowledging the benefits of collaboration with the Sheriff’s Department, the Ulster County Legislature approves the reallocation of Crisis Respite ARPA funding in the amount of $378,190.00 to support 24/7 Sheriff’s security services for one year; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the 2024 Ulster County Budget is hereby amended as follows:

INCREASE                                      AMOUNT

AA.3110.1815-1400.1400              Part Time Pay                                   $237,748.00

 (App. #)

AA.3110.1815-1300.1300              Regular Pay                                       $ 57,388.00

(App. #)

AA.3110.1815-8010.8010              Social Secuity                                   $ 22,578.00  

(App. #)                                                                                            

AA.3110.1810-8000.8000              Retirement                                         $ 45,658.00

(App. #)

AA.3110.1810-8020.8035              Health Insurance                              $ 14,818.00

(App. #)

AA.4310.2290-4750.4795              Intra-County Charges                      $378,190.00

 (App. #)

AA.4310.2290-3400.4095              Federal Aid, ARPA                         $378,190.00

(Rev. #)

AA.3110.1815-3600.2802              Inter-Departmental Revenue           $378,190.00

(Rev. #),        

and moves its adoption.

ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:                        NOES:      

Passed Committee: American Rescue Plan Act on ________________.

Passed Committee: Health, Human Services and Housing on ________________.

Passed Committee: Ways and Means on ________________.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

$378,190.00 – ADDITIONAL COUNTY BUDGETARY APPROPRIATIONS

$378,190.00 – FEDERAL AID, AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT