County Conversations

Reimagining Supervision and Probation Services Amid COVID-19

This episode features a conversation between NYSAC Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire and Bob Iusi, Director of the Warren County Probation Department.

They will highlight legislative actions that would allow probation departments to reimagine services, and discuss issues probation departments are facing including COVID-19 response and concerns with budgets and state funding.

NYSAC thanks the sponsor of this episode, PERMA. 

 

Overcoming the County Budget Crisis

This episode features a conversation between NYSAC Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire and Dave Lucas, NYSAC’s Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs. They will discuss a recent NYSAC report that details county recommendations for overcoming the current State and Local budget crisis, overview ways to maximize efficiencies in local services provided in New York State, and explain why cutting spending just won’t cut it.

 

NYSAC thanks the sponsor of this episode, NYMIR. 

No Time to Spare: Early Intervention Services in the Time of COVID

In this episode NYSAC Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire speaks with Dr. Wanda McQueen, Orange County’s Director of Early Intervention Services about the impact of COVID-19 on services provided through Pre-K and Early Intervention programs, the exciting possibilities afforded by incorporating telehealth services, and the funding challenges facing counties in the wake of local revenue losses and state cuts to reimbursements.

The Tip of the Spear: Local Health Departments’ Role in the Fight Against COVID-19

This episode features a conversation between NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario, and Sarah Ravenhall, Executive Director of the NYS Association of County Health Officials (NYSACHO).

They discuss the functions and responsibilities of local health departments, the 24/7 coordination of COVID testing, and how county health departments are rising to meet the needs of residents in communities throughout New York State.

Navigating Unknowns – Revenues, Sales Tax, and Moving Forward

This episode features a conversation between NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario, and Dave Lucas, NYSAC’s Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs. They discuss investment in economic development, latest data on distribution of sales tax, and how county finance departments are navigating revenue challenges, delays, and unknowns. 

Counties Moving Forward: Key Takeaways from the Virtual Fall Seminar

This episode features a conversation among NYSAC legislative staff members Ryan Gregoire, Dave Lucas, and Alex LaMonte.

They will review workshops that were held throughout NYSAC’s virtual fall seminar, and highlight the key experiences and advice provided by expert panelists and county leaders.

In the month of September, over 1,800 county officials through a series of almost twenty webinars. NYSAC also hosted a County Leaders conference call to bring together the chief elected and chief appointed officials in each county.

We would like to once again thank our featured sponsors PERMA, NYMIR, NYSTEC, three +one, and WSP. We are grateful to our sponsors for helping to make this event possible.

Protecting NY Forests Against Invasive Species

This episode features a conversation between NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire and Cornell University Forest Entomologist Mark Whitmore.

They will discuss the impact of Hemlock Woolly Adelgids (HWAs) in forests of New York State, the important role and natural value that hemlock trees have, and how local leaders can support preservation efforts.

NYSAC Thanks our Fall Seminar Featured Sponsor WSP. 

County Treasurers: Guarding Public Funds and Maximizing Revenue Through Liquidity Management

This episode features a conversation between NYSAC’s Deputy Director Mark LaVigne, Allegany County Treasurer Terri Ross, and three + one’s Director of Public Partnerships William Cherry.

They will discuss sources of revenue for counties, what benefits counties are seeing by partnering with three + one, and the priorities of a county treasurer in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Terri Ross is also a former president of the NYS Treasurers Association, and Vice-Chair of NYSAC’s Standing Committee on Tax and Finance.

Bill Cherry is also a former treasurer for Schoharie County, a former NYSAC President, and a former president of the NYS Treasurers Association.

Evolving Practices in County Law Enforcement

This episode features a conversation between NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario and Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa.

They will discuss the communitywide comprehensive strategy the county has implemented surrounding opioid prevention and use, recent and upcoming criminal justice reforms, and the role of a sheriff in enforcement of state social distancing orders.

County Budgeting for 2021: Part 2

This is the second episode in a two-part special featuring conversations about county budgeting and finance concerns. Dave Lucas, NYSAC’s Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs is joined by Steven Morgan, Onondaga County’s Chief Fiscal Officer. They discuss what challenges the county is facing right now in their budget as a result of the pandemic and an unfolding economic recession, and what they are anticipating for 2021 and beyond. They also detail the steps that Onondaga County is taking to address the current crisis.