The current Sullivan County Legislature established one of their main goals being maintaining “financial responsibility” for the county, as members of the board have noted a number of times over their tenure. After a report from County Manager Josh Potosek recently released to the public, it would appear that the aforementioned goal was met with forward leaning progress, as Potosek highlighted a fiscally healthier position over the last year.

Potosek notes in his report that job growth remains robust in the county for the past two years, especially for leisure and hospitality employment. The steady increase in the workforce of that industry is a promising sign for our county in its push to become a major destination for tourism in the state. We hope this growth remaining on the uphill climb.

On top of that, despite rising prices of goods and other necessities around the nation, county, and state, the county’s taxation has not skyrocketed to unmanageable heights, thanks to the oversight of the Legislature. We hope this trend continues, keeping the interest of the taxpayer at the forefront of their minds.  It is our hope that outside of elections, outside of votes and results, those at the head of the county keep relevant in their minds the needs of the county’s taxpayer base.

This current stability in our local economy would not be possible without the interest and support in the industry that brings people in: tourism and hospitality. Many of our local businesses thrive off of visitors. Big kudos to those who come to spend a weekend, a week, or a summer with us and allow our towns, villages, and county to involve itself in the continuing progress of our area.

Potosek also highlights a number of new leaders who have stepped up to head various divisions within the county. Thank you to those who have taken up the mantle and give their all to expand the health, happiness, and safety of this wonderful place we all can call home. 

Let’s all keep marching forward to the idea of keeping Sullivan County affordable and safe to live in.