Calling the numerous countywide volunteers the "fabric of our society" County Executive MaryEllen Odell proclaimed 2018 to be "The Year of the Volunteer". Especially appropriate considering all the hours that were put in by all the local fire departments and other civic organizations the last 2 weeks assisting county residents who experienced emergencies and prolonged power outages due to the recent devastating winter storms. The State of the County Address was held on March 15,2018.
Odell's presentation was held in the main room of the Putnam County Golf Course to over 250 people comprised of various local elected officals, appointed county officials, numerous civic and community leaders as well local police and fire department cheifs and personnel. She praised all those that gave selflessly not only these last few weeks but those who do so year round. She commended all the volunteers from those who drive the elderly and veterans to doctor and hospital appointments to the owners of Vllla Barone who opened their doors and served hot soup to residents during the recent electric outages. She mentions the cost savings to the county because they offset costs of county program.
This was Odell's seventh State of the County address and proclaimed that the county was moving in the right direction. She highlighted reductions in county debt, the stable tax rates as well as infrastructure investments along the Route 6 corridor as well as the construction of a new senior center in Cold Spring and the renovation of the Carmel senior center.
A large portion of the speech was dedicated to county employees, first responders and the many volunteers who worked together in the restoration effort following the two major storms that wreaked havoc in Putnam and Westchester earlier this month. She noted that he Bureau of Emergency Operations Emergency command center had received over 1300 calls for assistance on its first day in operation after the storms hit.
“The two winter storms that we received over the last two weeks showed the fierce dedication of our volunteers and first responders,” Odell said. “Highway workers, Police, Fire, EMS and the many, many, volunteers and public servants that responded ensured that our residents were protected. That’s what we do in Putnam County. We all pull together during times of adversity.” The storms caused more than 25,000 homes and businesses to lose electricity. Odell thanked the numerous towns, fire departments and other organizations that set up comfort stations, overnight shelters and supplied hot meals for those suffering without power.
She then officially declared 2018 the Year of the Volunteer in Putnam County to show her appreciation for the impact on our community that the volunteers have throughout the year and especially stepping up when the Putnam County residents need it most.
Odell then discussed the county's fiscal health noting that in addition to delivering budgets that are under the state tax cap, the total debt of the county has decreased by $30 million dollars or 29%, since she took office. "Putnam County continues to have the lowest tax bill of any of the 62 counties in New York State", all while "maintaining its Aa2 Moody’s Bond Rating".
“We have been able to do this without major layoffs or tax hikes,” explained Odell, “We found efficiencies and ways to invest in our county assets—Putnam County Golf Course and Tilly Foster Farm, so they can be sustainable and be enjoyed by all the residents.”
While looking towards the future, Odell spoke about the renovation of the Carmel Senior Center and the building of the new Cold Spring Senior Center. She also mentioned the sewer and wastewater treatment projects in Lake Carmel, Brewster and Mahopac as ways to protect the environment and allow responsible commercial development and protect the residential neighborhoods.
“We continue to move Putnam County in the right direction, with smart growth and key investments all while maintaining a solid financial operation,” said Odell. “We do this by finding efficiencies and communicating with the Legislature and department heads to provide the highest quality of services at the least expense to the taxpayer. It’s a successful and responsible model that we look to continue in 2018 and beyond to maintain and build upon the great quality of life we all enjoy here in Putnam.”