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Ulster County has introduced a new take-home vehicle policy as part of a four-year labor contract with the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA). The agreement, which runs from January 2025 through December 2028, includes provisions that allow current Department of Public Works employees to retain their take-home vehicles if they remain in their current roles. However, the county now has "sole discretion" over future vehicle assignments, a change that has sparked controversy.
Legislator Joseph Maloney criticized the policy, describing it as a "back-door policy" that removes legislative oversight over vehicle use. Maloney noted that a special committee had recommended largely eliminating take-home vehicles, but these suggestions were not included in the new policy. According to the Daily Freeman, the issue gained attention in 2013 when the Department of Public Works head was seen using a county-assigned Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Howard Baul, a labor relations specialist for CSEA, stated that take-home vehicles have been a long-standing benefit that the county could not revoke without legal repercussions. As employees leave their positions, the county can decide whether to assign vehicles to new hires. The contract also includes updates to salary schedules, call-in pay, and other benefits.
The agreement, negotiated by County Executive Jen Metzger, aims to address pay disparities and improve employee retention. It is set to go before the Ulster County Legislature for approval on Wednesday (December 3). Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger emphasized the contract's role in compensating employees fairly and strengthening pay equity.