Headline News from the County Executive
- 5/23/2023 - Dutchess County Granted Temporary Restraining Order Barring NYC from transporting additional people to Dutchess County
Today, Dutchess County Supreme Court Judge Maria Rosa granted Dutchess County’s request for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), barring New York City Mayor’s Office and Department of Homeless Services from transporting any additional homeless adults or minor individuals in temporary shelter(s) in New York City to Dutchess County, including to hotels within the County of Dutchess, including but not limited to, Red Roof Inn at 2349 South Road and the Holiday Inn at 2170 South Road, both in Poughkeepsie. The order is effective immediately. Read more...
- 5/19/2023 - Statement from Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O'Neil
“Continuing our ongoing efforts to protect the residents of Dutchess County, I have executed and filed a State of Emergency and two Executive Orders in relation to New York City’s imminent, forced relocation of migrants and/or asylum seekers to Dutchess County. These measures will, to the best of the County’s ability, preserve our rights and safeguard the well-being of our residents and our community by enforcing various established codes and regulations – a pre-emptive step necessitated by the haphazard efforts of New York City to randomly disperse individuals throughout New York State. Though the City has failed to give Dutchess County a definitive timeframe of when, nor how many individuals could be expected, I am making this proactive move to ensure law and order throughout our County, as well as provide for the safety of our nearly 300,000 residents.
The County of Dutchess is also exploring its options to commence civil action against the City of New York, and any property owner of a hotel, motel or short-term occupancy rental property who uses or causes to be used, converts or authorizes the use of such hotel, motel or short-term rental property as an emergency shelter, homeless shelter or long-term overnight dormitory, including, but not limited to, seeking injunctive relief and a temporary restraining order.
While Dutchess County and our residents empathize with the plight of the individuals being inhumanely shuttled out of New York City by Mayor Eric Adams, Dutchess County is already grappling with housing challenges for our residents, and our County does not have the resources to adequately address the myriad needs these individuals will undoubtedly require during their stay. For New York City to simply dump these vulnerable souls into a community that cannot provide for their needs is unconscionable and a further example of Mayor Adams’ failure to create and communicate a well thought-out plan with Hudson Valley counties.
This crisis is the direct result of the Biden Administration’s continued failing, inability or unwillingness to conceive and adopt an immigration policy that protects both this country’s citizens and those looking to engage in a legal process to make a life here. We in Dutchess County government refuse to be enablers of this incompetent and ineffective administration, and we urge every Dutchess County resident to contact their federal representatives and ask they demand the White House to swiftly act.” Read more...
Headline News from the County Legislature
- 5/9/2023 - LEGISLATURE PASSES 73% INCREASES TO COUNTY PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY - The Dutchess County Legislature passed two local laws at the May Board Meeting that would increase the income limits to receive two County property tax exemptions - the Senior Citizens Exemption and Persons with Disabilities Exemption. The measures will increase the income limit to $41,600 to receive the full 50% County Property Tax Exemption and as the income gradually rises the exemption percentage decreases, ultimately ending at $49,999 with receiving a 5% exemption. The previous law set the 50% exemption income limit as $24,000. The laws will now go to the County Executive’s desk for consideration. Read more...
Headline News from the County Clerk
Headline News from the Comptroller
- 5/22/2023 - DUTCHESS COUNTY COMPTROLLER ROBIN LOIS RELEASES 2023 Q1 UPDATE ON ALLOCATION AND SPENDING OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (ARP) FUNDS
Poughkeepsie, N.Y. – The Dutchess County Comptroller’s Office has released their Q1 Special Update Report on the ARP federal funding, the “Dutchess Invests” spending plan, and actual expenditures/obligations of the County as of March 31, 2023. The County has received a total of $57,148,397 in ARP funds and has since spent $21,425,395, of which $1,837,882 was spent in the 1st quarter. Read more...
Headline News from the Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH)
- 5/16/2023 - County To Offer Free Rabies Clinic on Sunday, June 4th
The clinic will offer Dutchess County residents the opportunity to obtain rabies shots free of charge for their dogs, cats, and domestic ferrets 3 months of age and older. Proof of residency is required. Non-residents will be charged a fee of $10 per each pet vaccinated. All dogs must be on a leash, and cats and domestic ferrets must be in carriers. Vaccinations will be good for three years for pets with proper proof of prior immunization. For those without proof, the vaccination will be good for one year. Read more...
Headline News from the District Attorney
Headline News from the Sheriff's Office
- 5/26/2023 - Drug Task Force raid results in 3 arrests and the seizure of Fentanyl and Cocaine
The Dutchess County Drug Task Force reports the following arrests:
Dyani A. Sanders D.O.B. 02/21/1980 – (1) Count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree – Mr. Sanders is being held in custody pending arraignment in the City of Poughkeepsie Court. Mr. Sanders currently resides in Poughkeepsie.
Tami Halloran D.O.B. 08/18/1975 – Wanted by Dutchess County Court for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree. This indictment and warrant was the result of a previous investigation conducted by the DCDTF. Mrs. Halloran is being held pending arraignment in the City of Poughkeepsie. Mrs. Halloran is a resident of the City of Poughkeepsie.
Kimberly Smith D.O.B. 03/24/1965 – Wanted by the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department related to stolen property. Mrs. Smith was turned over to the TPPD for further.
On 05/26/23 Dutchess County Drug Task Force Agents executed a search warrant with the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit at 339 Mansion Street in the City of Poughkeepsie and arrested these individuals at the scene. Fentanyl, cocaine, and U.S. currency was seized inside the residence. These arrests are just one example of numerous cases the Dutchess County Drug Task Force is actively investigating county wide into the sale of cocaine, Fentanyl, and other dangerous drugs.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that 50 to 100 times more potent than Morphine. Fentanyl and cocaine and has been linked to an overwhelming number of overdose deaths in Dutchess County.
If anyone has information regarding this case or about any other individuals selling drugs in Dutchess County, you are urged to contact the Drug Task Force confidential tip line at 845-463-6040 or by sending an email to the following web address: DrugTaskForceTips@gmail.com
The Dutchess County Drug Task Force encourages anyone seeking assistance with drug addiction or treatment to call the Dutchess County HELPLINE at 845-485-9700, or walk into the Stabilization Center at 230 North Road in Poughkeepsie (845) 486-2849. This contact is available 24/7/365 to help you get connected to the services you need. You can also visit Dutchess County Government website at the following web address: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/DBCH/alcohol-substance-use-services.htm
As with any criminal case, the charges described above is merely an accusation and all parties identified in this press release are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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