Episodes

Monday Oct 26, 2020
Monday Oct 26, 2020
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.

Monday Oct 19, 2020
Navigating Unknowns – Revenues, Sales Tax, and Moving Forward
Monday Oct 19, 2020
Monday Oct 19, 2020
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.

Monday Oct 05, 2020
Counties Moving Forward: Key Takeaways from the Virtual Fall Seminar
Monday Oct 05, 2020
Monday Oct 05, 2020
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.

Monday Sep 28, 2020
Protecting NY Forests Against Invasive Species
Monday Sep 28, 2020
Monday Sep 28, 2020
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.

Monday Sep 21, 2020
Monday Sep 21, 2020
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.

Monday Sep 14, 2020
Evolving Practices in County Law Enforcement
Monday Sep 14, 2020
Monday Sep 14, 2020
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.

Tuesday Sep 08, 2020
County Budgeting for 2021: Part 2
Tuesday Sep 08, 2020
Tuesday Sep 08, 2020
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.

Friday Sep 04, 2020
County Budgeting for 2021: Part 1
Friday Sep 04, 2020
Friday Sep 04, 2020
This episode is the first of 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 Warren County Administrator Ryan Moore. They will 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 will also detail the steps that Warren County is taking to address the current crisis.

Monday Aug 31, 2020
Resiliency, Recovery, and County Mental Health Services
Monday Aug 31, 2020
Monday Aug 31, 2020
This episode features a conversation on mental health services amid the COVID-19 pandemic. NYSAC’s executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Katherine Coons, Commissioner of the Rensselaer County Department of Mental Health. They discussed reactions to isolation and social distancing measures, the funding challenges faced by county mental health services, and an increase in demand for these services.

Monday Aug 24, 2020
National Perspective on Impact and Response to COVID-19
Monday Aug 24, 2020
Monday Aug 24, 2020
This episode features a conversation on the national impact and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. NYSAC’s executive director Stephen Acquario is joined by the National Association of Counties executive director, Matt Chase. They will discuss the disparate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic and federal stimulus concerns, and an overview of county crisis response.