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.
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.
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.
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.