While we don’t have a crystal ball, we want to take this time to look ahead in 2026. 

If you read our Year in Review edition, you can see that there are a lot of big projects in the pipeline–from the sale of the Grossinger’s Resort property to the reuse of the shuttered Frito-Lay facility. 

We hope that these and all other projects see success in the new year and the years to follow. It seems Sullivan County could use the extra income from sales tax revenue as well as increased ratables. 

The county legislature contended over a fraught budget this year, with an initial proposal of a double-digit hike in property taxes (ultimately, the budget passed with a two percent increase). 

County Manager Josh Potosek painted a bleak picture: noting inflation-fueled costs and an estimated $5 million-plus decline in sales tax revenue.

Potosek previously stated, “We are keeping as close an eye as ever on fiscal responsibility and the limits of taxpayers’ abilities, which is why I’ve conveyed to legislators and our economic development partners that it’s absolutely critical we aggressively work on attracting more taxpaying industries to the county.”

While there have been strides in economic development across the county in recent years, the decrease in sales tax in 2025 paints a picture of a possible economic downturn.

With rising prices, stagnant wages and unaffordable housing, people are pinching pennies and making cuts where they can. Especially with the forecast of increasing premiums for health insurance, the costs just continue to rise. 

Hopefully the tides will turn. We want to see a Sullivan County where business is booming on our Main Streets and beyond, where visitors flock all year-long, and where new developments can be attained with smart growth in mind. 

We also want to see everyone being able to afford housing, get the services they need and provide a safety net for those who may fall through the cracks. 

This year will also include some big elections, with midterms deciding who controls the U.S. Senate and Congress, and New York choosing a Governor. 

There’s a lot to keep our eyes on, and as always, we will bring you the news that you need to know. 

Happy New Year to all our readers.