2019 Annual Report Highlights Work of Dutchess County Government
County Executive Molinaro to present 2020 State of the County on February 20th at the Culinary Institute of America

Poughkeepsie … Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro has submitted the Annual Report for 2019 to the Dutchess County Legislature, pursuant to the requirements of the Dutchess County Charter. The annual report provides an overview of the County’s finances, as well as highlights of the work and activities of the Executive Branch of county government over the past year.

County Executive Molinaro said, “As we begin 2020 and lay out our newest goals in the upcoming State of the County, it is important to reflect on all we have already accomplished. The Annual Report details for the Legislature the broad array of services and programs County government offers. Each year, our dedicated County employees continue to provide critical services, while tackling new challenges and taking on new initiatives, always striving to provide better services for our residents. The foundation we have built enables us to keep setting bolder goals, continuing to enhance the community we call home.”

The annual report features a brief review of Dutchess County’s financial condition, including continued growth of the local economy, which has led to strong sales tax receipts. The strong economy, coupled with continued focus of efficiency and shared services, has been an important component in delivering the sixth consecutive county property tax levy reduction for 2020 and fifth straight year with a lower property tax rate for homeowners and businesses.

The report also features a summary of the activities of the Executive Branch departments of Dutchess County Government, demonstrating the continued hard work and dedication of Dutchess County Government employees. Among the work activity highlights:

• Office for the Aging (OFA) experienced a 34% increase in walk-in clientele following the opening of the new OFA offices and Senior Friendship Center in Poughkeepsie.

• Public Transit logged nearly 850,000 passenger trips, an 18% increase over 2018.

• Nearly 1,800 visits to Dutchess County’s 24/7 Stabilization Center.

• HELPLINE staff responded to more than 42,700 phone contacts and text conversations.

• 9-1-1 Communication Center Public Safety Dispatchers handled 258,603 emergency calls.

• Processed nearly 40,000 Medicaid transactions.

• Administered 177 civil service exams and reviewed nearly 6,400 exam/appointment applications.

• Certified as a Bronze Level Climate Smart Community by NYS DEC, one of only nine counties in the state.

• Honored with the 2019 Government Experience Award for the redesigned dutchessny.gov, with more than 16.2 million pages served – a 9% increase over 2018.

• Supervised approximately 2,800 individuals placed on probation, utilizing a variety of evidence-based interventions to reduce recidivism and promote community safety.

• Performed more than 7,600 hours of Maternal Child Health case management to high risk families, including those dealing with substance use, domestic violence and/or mental health disorders.

• More than 1,600 site visits to public water supplies ensuring water quality.

• Provided more than 19,000 contact services to Dutchess County veterans and their families.

The full 2019 Annual Report can be viewed on the Dutchess County website.

County Executive Molinaro will present his 2020 State of the County address on Thursday, February 20th at 5:30 p.m. at the Culinary Institute of America’s Marriott Pavilion, Ecolab Auditorium. He will summarize his focus and priorities for Dutchess County Government in 2020. The State of the County address event is open to the public. To learn more about the event, and to RSVP, visit dutchessny.gov/rsvp.