MONTICELLO — As it has been reported many times in our newspaper and others, the unemployment rate in the county and across the state continues to be low.

At the Sullivan County Legislature's Economic Development Committee meeting last Thursday, Center for Workforce Development Director Laura Quigley reported that the unemployment rate for September was 3.4 percent.

“That ranked us tied for 11th in the state,” Quigley said. “The lowest is Columbia [County] at 2.8, and the highest is Bronx [County] at 5.1. So overall the whole state is doing pretty well. However, we still have people that are unemployed.”

Quigley said the Center is working with those people to help them find jobs. Sullivan County had an increase of 11.8 percent (3,400) total nonfarm jobs and an increase of 14.2 percent (3,200) in total private sector jobs from September 2018 to 2019.

Legislator Joe Perrello asked if salaries went up as well.

“They [average salaries] did go up, and things are kind of leveling right now,” Quigley responded. “But the minimum wage goes up at the end of December, from $11.10 to $11.80.”

As part of the 2016-17 State Budget, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation enacting a statewide $15 minimum wage plan that will lift the earnings of more than 2.1 million New Yorkers in all industries across the state.

In parts of the state that don't include New York City, Long Island and Westchester, that won't happen until an undetermined date. New York City is already at $15 minimum wage, and Long Island and Westchester will reach it in 2021.

According to data provided by the Census Bureau 5-year estimate, in 2017 (the most recent data available) the median household income in Sullivan County was $53,877. The poverty rate in 2017 was 15.9 percent, compared to 12.3 percent nationwide.

Move Sullivan off to a good start

The county introduced a public transportation system called Move Sullivan in August. The bus route goes through the areas of Monticello, Liberty, Loch Sheldrake, Hurleyville, Harris and Fallsburg, with plans to expand to other towns.

Quigley reported to the legislators during the Economic Development Committee that the bus route has been serving over 600 riders per week, and feedback has been positive.

YO1 making changes

Since YO1 Wellness Resort and Spa in Monticello opened their doors in June, 2018 rumors have been swirling around the success of the luxury destination. But Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association President and CEO Roberta Byron-Lockwood said they are going strong.

“YO1 is doing quite well,” she told the legislators during the Economic Development Committee. “They have a new general manager coming in, or he is in. [Two weeks ago] their occupancy was 97 percent. They're doing some great stuff, they're making some changes. They changed their philosophy.”

The 1,300-acre resort now offers hotel rooms without the spa package, so you can choose between the two. They are also getting a liquor license and adding more dining options.