As the year comes to a close we want to take this time to send a sincere ‘Thank you’ to three people who have contributed to the landscape of Sullivan County: Nancy Buck, Robert Dufour, and Bill Rieber. 

Buck is retiring as Sullivan County Treasurer after ten years, and 25 years total working for the county. As Deputy County Treasurer, she became Treasurer after the passing of Ira Cohen, who she had donated her own kidney to in 2008. It reflects on her personal mantra of “doing the right thing.” 

Since assuming the role, Buck has stewarded Sullivan County to a healthy financial picture. She has worked tirelessly to make sure the numbers are in top shape, and to endure the unpleasantries of collecting delinquent taxes, a task no one wants to do but that must be done. 

And along the way she has earned accolades that she surely would be humble about – receiving the prestigious Finance Officer of the Year Award in 2024 from the New York State County Treasurers and Finance Officers Association, for which she served as President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer over her two decades of involvement.

Buck steered the ship during the Covid pandemic, navigating the murky financial waters when projections were dire. And while we look ahead to 2026 with some uncertainty, her successor, Kathleen Lara, seems ready to carry the torch. 

Also retiring at the end of this year is BOCES Superintendent Robert Dufour, who has served as superintendent for eight years and has left a mark on the education systems in Sullivan County. 

Having previously served as superintendent for Eldred Central School District, Dufour was appointed to BOCES in 2017, embarking on a commitment to academic excellence. 

The mission of BOCES provides education for all, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, offering career and technical education, special education, summer programs and more. 

Under Dufour’s leadership, the programs expanded to include broadening early college access for high schoolers, a new welding lab, and a partnership with SUNY Sullivan to offer adult college classes. 

This represents the wide-ranging interests of Sullivan County residents and the chance to “meet people where they are at” in all facets of life. Thank you to Dufour for moving the needle when it comes to education. 

Lastly we thank outgoing Town of Thompson Supervisor Bill Rieber for his years of leadership. 

Thompson is the largest town in the county, and carries with it a large tax base, including a business district. 

Under Rieber’s tenure we saw the revitalization of the Thompson Square Mall and opening of Resorts World Catskills, which paved the way for a thriving financial picture and a positive message in economic development, and lower taxes for town residents.

Rieber, who has served as supervisor since 2013 and on the town board since 1981, is an active member of the community, being involved as a firefighter and many community organizations.