Warren Co. leaders update community at State of the County meeting

GLENS FALLS | Warren County leaders met with the local business community on Tuesday, Nov. 18, to update them on the county's financial state, upcoming challenges and important initiatives during the annual "State of the County" event organized by Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. The wide-ranging discussion covered the proposed 2026 county budget, financial challenges on the horizon, addressing the affordable housing and emergency medical services issues that plague much of Warren County and more. Remarks were offered by Kevin Geraghty, Warrensburg Town Supervisor and Chair of the Warren County Board of Supervisors; County Budget Officer Frank Thomas, who is Stony Creek Town Supervisor; County Administrator John Taflan; Queensbury at-Large Supervisor Nate Etu; Chair of the Board of Supervisors Economic Growth Committee and Heather Bagshaw; Warren County Tourism Director. ARCC President Tricia Rogers moderated the panel and presented questions during the hour-long event. Geraghty, Thomas and Taflan touched on a budget crunch where rising costs for services such as road work, public safety, health insurance and pension costs are met by revenue trends that aren't keeping pace, with potential significant federal funding cuts on the horizon. Mandated increases to Medicaid, and NYS pension, along with higher health insurance costs, pushed the 2026 budget over the NY State 2 percent tax cap, Thomas noted. Taflan explained that only about 20 percent of the county budget is discretionary spending. A potential sales tax increase will likely have to be explored to cover these looming issues, particularly to address emergency medical response issues in parts of the county and the lack of affordable housing, Taflan explained. "We're always looking forward, to have an idea what we will need to do in the future," Geraghty explained. While there are likely financial challenges ahead, Warren County is on solid footing to address them. The county fund balance is at the level recommended by New York state to meet unplanned revenue challenges, and the county also has a low debt ratio. Etu highlighted economic improvements and growth around the county, while Bagshaw highlighted a new tourism campaign unveiled this fall that is designed to attract new visitors. While there are financial questions to come, Warren County is fortunate to have a strong workforce that is prepared to meet the issues head-on, Geraghty noted. Warren County thanks the ARCC and its membership for this opportunity to update them on Warren County's present and future.

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Warren Co. leaders update community at State of the County meeting

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