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Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino delivered the annual State of the County address in Poughkeepsie on Tuesday (March 3), focusing on fiscal responsibility, workforce investments, and affordable housing. She emphasized the importance of adapting to changing circumstances, stating, "We plan with purpose, but we must also always be ready to meet the moment."
With a county unemployment rate of 3.2%, the administration is negotiating a multiyear contract with its largest union, CSEA, to include significant cost-of-living adjustments for the lowest-paid workers. "This agreement lifts up our lowest-paid workers," Serino said.
The county is advancing technology upgrades to streamline services, including online tax payments and artificial intelligence-powered systems. A countywide AI committee will guide the responsible use of new technologies.
Dutchess County was selected 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 this effort. The Housing Trust Fund has awarded $12.3 million to create or preserve nearly 370 affordable homes across several towns.
A major disagreement with the City of Poughkeepsie involves plans for a homeless shelter on Oakley Street, which the city is suing to stop. Serino said, "The new Housing Support Center will enable us to continue our successful model of helping people."
The county continues to invest in EMS, awarding over $330,000 in grants for life-saving equipment and launching new programs to strengthen the EMS workforce.
Concluding her address, Serino reiterated, "The state of Dutchess County is strong — and we are working for you every single day."
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