POUGHKEEPSIE — Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino delivered the annual State of the County address Tuesday, highlighting fiscal responsibility, workforce investments, affordable housing, and major initiatives aimed at strengthening services for residents.

In the address, Serino emphasized the constant need for county government to adapt to changing circumstances. “We plan with purpose, but we must also always be ready to meet the moment, ready to make decisions that are thoughtful, impactful, and fiscally responsible to best serve our neighbors when they need us most,” she said.

Dutchess County’s unassigned fund balance stood at just under $90 million at the end of 2025, after accounting for set-asides and financial actions. However, Serino cautioned that recent decisions to rely more heavily on the fund balance to cover 2026 operating costs — rather than raising new revenue — will add pressure to next year’s budget process. “We will have a large budget gap to close,” she said, calling for fiscal restraint as new costs are considered.

With the county’s unemployment rate at 3.2 percent, officials face a tight labor market and challenges in recruiting for entry-level positions. The County is close to finalizing a multiyear contract with its largest union, CSEA, which will include significant cost-of-living adjustments for the lowest-paid workers. “This agreement lifts up our lowest-paid workers, giving the largest percentage increases to those earning the least,” Serino said.

The administration is pushing forward with technology upgrades to streamline services, including online tax payments and artificial intelligence-powered systems to improve efficiency in departments such as Community and Family Services. A countywide AI committee is being formed to guide responsible use of new technologies.

Dutchess County was selected as one of three counties for a statewide pilot childcare initiative, backed by $20 million in proposed state funding to expand access for children ages 0–3. The county will also match $2 million for the effort. The county’s Housing Trust Fund has awarded $12.3 million to create or preserve nearly 370 affordable homes, with several projects underway in Poughkeepsie, Beacon, Rhinebeck, and Amenia.

Homelessness has become a major disagreement between the county and City of Poughkeepsie, with the city suing to stop plans for a homeless shelter on Oakley Street on the city’s northside.  “The new Housing Support Center at 26 Oakley Street will enable us to continue our successful model of helping people with comprehensive case management, mental health support, and substance abuse services that are real tools that have helped nearly 80 people move toward stability, independence, and permanent housing, in the last 16 months,” Serino said.

Meanwhile, the county continues to invest in EMS, awarding more than $330,000 in grants for life-saving equipment and launching new programs to strengthen the EMS workforce.

The county is launching an Elder Justice Task Force to protect seniors from fraud and abuse, and continues to expand outreach with programs like mobile health units and veteran support through Operation: Mobile Outreach.
Major investments are underway across Dutchess County, including new manufacturing facilities, hospitality projects, and expansions at Marist University and Dutchess Community College. Tourism reached record visitor spending of $811 million last year, supporting more than 10,200 jobs.

Concluding the address, Serino reiterated the county’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and compassion. “The state of Dutchess County is strong — and we are working for you every single day.”

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino


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