Saratoga County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Saratoga County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Workers' Compensation Budget
Claims paid in August and September are running well above last year, and the county has spent 80% of its workers' comp budget by September versus just 53% at the same point in 2025. If the pace continues, the county could face a budget shortfall in this line.
Property Tax Exemption for 100% Service-Disabled Veterans
The county is considering a tax exemption for veterans, which could lower property tax bills for those who served. Residents shared their thoughts during the public hearing.
2027 Tax Bill Truth-in-taxation Flyer
The county's annual flyer, sent with over 100,000 tax bills, shows how much of your tax bill goes to the county versus schools and explains unfunded mandates.
Maplewood Manor claims buyout savings
The county's $4.2 million buyout of 37 Maplewood Manor workers' comp claims has already saved about $1.1 million, with five claims still open at roughly $4,000 a month and $1.6 million left in the fund.
Short-Term Rental Tax Collection Agreement with Airbnb
The county adopted a local law to establish a short-term rental registry and collect occupancy taxes from platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
County Employee Health Insurance Renewal
The county is renewing its health, dental, and prescription coverage with Anthem Insurance for 2027 at a projected cost of $32.7 million, reflecting a 15 percent rate increase driven by high-dollar claims.
Unfunded State Mandate for Mental Health Placements
Saratoga County is struggling with escalating costs for court-ordered mental health competency restorations, which increased from a 50-50 shared state-county split before 2021 to 100% county-funded today. Adding three individuals to the state forensic facility list required a $1.2 million budget amendment.
Delinquent Tax Cleanup on Erroneous and Abandoned Parcels
A parcel sold to the state canal system was mistakenly billed for school and property taxes. The county is cancelling those bills since state-owned land is exempt.
Crimes Against Revenue Program Grant Acceptance
The county accepted a state grant that helps pay for an attorney who recovers substantial funds for the county.
Moreau Pavement Preservation Funding Correction
A paperwork error by the state comptroller's office left a completed paving project in Moreau short on its recognized funding. The committee is pushing through a corrective resolution so the county can pay its contractor and get reimbursed.
Tax Map and GIS Reproduction Fees
Saratoga County is updating fees for tax maps and digital GIS files that haven't changed in decades to better reflect modern operational costs. Public paper maps would jump from $6 to $10, and new charges would apply for digital geographic data.
First Quarter Auditor's Report
The county auditor's office reported processing thousands of dollars in property tax corrections and refunds during the first quarter of 2026.
Change of Special Defense Counsel in Federal Lawsuits
The county board voted to replace its outside legal counsel in two active federal lawsuits, hiring Romer Wallens Gold & Mineaux LLP and allocating $200,000 from budget reserves to cover the new retainers.
Senior Citizen Real Property Tax Exemptions
The county is moving forward with an updated tax exemption sliding scale for seniors 65 and older. Seniors making under $27,000 will qualify for a 65% reduction on their property assessments, helping them stay in their homes.
2026 County Compensation Schedule Amendment
The board adopted a local law to increase salaries and provide cost-of-living adjustments for elected and appointed county officials for 2026.
2026 County Leadership and Organizational Structure
The county board kicked off the year by electing its leadership and establishing meeting rules and committee structures for 2026.