County Conversations

How to Modernize Your County’s Annual Budget Process

This episode features a panel discussion from a recent webinar NYSAC hosted on “How to Modernize Your County’s Annual Budget Process,” by increasing the efficiency of collecting requests, creating budgets, and communicating with internal and external stakeholders. This webinar provided an opportunity to introduce our new strategic partner ClearGov and its powerful, easy-to-use Budget Cycle Management suite.

Rob Battaglia, Senior New York Market Development Executive, at ClearGov leads the panel discussion with Orange County Budget Director Deborah Slesinski and Orange County Deputy Budget Director Gretchen Riordan.

Training the Next Generation of EMTs

This episode features a conversation on Saratoga County’s EMT Career Pathway Pilot Program. Designed as a first step in filling a need for future and current first responders, the program is a community-based collaboration for high school students.  NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is joined by Jenniffer McCloskey, Director of Saratoga County’s Employment and Training Department. Our thanks at NYSAC go to our sponsor, PERMA.

Introducing NYSAC President Michael Zurlo

This episode features a conversation with NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz and Michael Zurlo, Clinton County Administrator and President of NYSAC. We’ll hear about his path to county government leadership, the unique community of Clinton County in New York’s north country, and what’s in store for his presidential term at the Association.

Taking Stock and Looking Forward

As we’re coming up to the end of the year, this episode features a recap of county advocacy and achievements over the span of 2022, and what’s on the horizon heading into 2023.

NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire joins Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz to discuss outcomes from federal and state elections, key outcomes from this past legislative session, and NYSAC’s top priorities for continued advocacy.

Happy Thanksgiving from NYSAC

We have so much to be thankful for at NYSAC, especially our membership of dedicated county officials across the state of New York. This episode features some familiar voices from our staff, as we detail what we are each grateful for this year. Happy Thanksgiving to the county family, and best wishes throughout this holiday season.

Voters Approve $4.2 Billion Environmental Bond Act

Last week voters passed the Clean Air, Clean Water and Green Jobs Bond Act. The bond act will fund flood reduction, wastewater and stormwater upgrades, park preservation, and green infrastructure and renewable energy projects to fight climate change.

In light of this historic investment, we've revisited a conversation held earlier this year with NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz and Jessica Ottney Mahar, Director of Policy & Strategy at The Nature Conservancy to dive into details about the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Green Jobs Bond Act.

Our thanks go to NYSAC’s sponsor, the New York Power Authority.

Stopping the Scammers! An inside look at fraud identification and scam prevention.

This episode features a conversation on fraud identification and scam prevention. Joining NYSAC’s Deputy Director Mark LaVigne is Jen Martin, Head of Enterprise Fraud Services at KeyBank. Jen gives an overview of new forms of financial fraud county leaders should be aware of, and she provides tips for county and financial services leaders in the challenging task of protection.

Operation Green Light: Shining a Light on Veteran Service

This episode highlights Operation Green Light, an initiative that raises awareness for the challenges faced by veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families.

Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire, and Rachel Mackey, the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Director for Human Services and Education, as well as Liaison to the Veterans and Military Services Committee.

Leveraging Data for Responsible Financial Stewardship

This episode features a conversation on how Otsego County leverages financial data provided by three+one to manage liquidity and investments, increase revenue, and make decisions in the best interest of public funds.

NYSAC’s Deputy Director Mark LaVigne introduces Garrett Macdonald, Senior Vice President of three+one, and Allen Ruffles, Treasurer and CFO of Otsego County.

Taking Action on Climate Mitigation and Resiliency

This episode features a conversation with the Chair of NYSAC’s Climate Action Standing Committee on advocacy and climate change mitigation efforts at the state and local level.

Heather Brown, Sullivan County Deputy Planning Commissioner, joins NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz to discuss the Resilient New York Revolving Loan Program, The Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, and Extended Producer Responsibility.

For more information on the resolution passed by the Climate Action Standing Committee, visit nysac.org/resolutions