New York – A county executive is moving to bring fiscally stressed local governments together to share their best ideas before they become “distressed” under a new state definition.
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Ulster County Executive Mike Hein is trying to help local governments help each other before they reach “distressed” status, a designation that could trigger state involvement in restructuring local operations. On Tuesday, he will announce a series of statewide forums to identify innovative ways local governments have found to ease their fiscal pain that can ultimately lead to higher taxes and fewer services.
Hein hopes that by bringing people and strategies together, the project can develop solutions and identify state and federal barriers to change.
“Ultimately, this will allow local governments to both protect taxpayers and continue to deliver high quality services,” he said.
Hein is president of the New York State County Executives Association and has discussed the effort with Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The governor was faulted for failing to work with local officials after Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner criticized the Cuomo’s pension reform proposal in February.
Former Lt. Gov. Richard Ravitch, a leader in a national effort to save local governments, said Hein has shown he’s willing to innovate. Hein has sold the county nursing home to private developers while other counties face mounting costs of operation. Hein is also exploring the privatization of mental health services for adults, another move that would save money.