Democrats Vote No On Dutchess County Budget

POUGHKEEPSIE – At the full board meeting of the Dutchess County Legislature on December 8, the 25-member Dutchess County Legislature passed the $650 million 2026 budget by a margin of 15-9, along party lines, after lively debate and a number of amendments intended to improve the lives of Dutchess County residents.

Minority Leader Yvette Valdés Smith (D-Fishkill) doubled the county’s contribution to the Housing Trust Fund, used to incentivize construction and help mitigate the effects of the housing crisis. And, was a “No” vote on the budget, stating, “The County Executive’s budget does not adequately address the affordability crisis that our residents are facing. While Democrats in our caucus passed meaningful amendments to help residents, the overall County Executive’s budget is lacking and we must do better.”

“We are tired of temporary fixes when what our county needs is long-term investment,” Legislator Barrington Atkins (D-Poughkeepsie) added. “The games being played at budget time come at the expense of families who are simply trying to survive.”

An amendment from Legislator Kristofer Munn (D-Red Hook) created a new grant program for municipalities seeking to create or supplement initiatives surrounding the issue of homelessness.

“This new program will allow municipalities to apply for grants up to $25,000 to help people in their own communities rather than having to move them to the City of Poughkeepsie,” said Munn. “This is a first step toward a scatter-site solution to supporting those in need.”

Other amendments to the budget included additional funding added for Rev250 programming celebrating the 250th anniversary of 1776, Restoring positions to the DA’s office including three assistant district attorneys, Funds to support Sheriff’s Department, and $750K for grants to improve security and safety in municipal buildings
An amendment proposed by Legislator Chris Drago (D-Town of Stanford) to increase funding for EMS planning and support was voted down along party lines.

Legislator Craig Brendli (D-Town/City of Poughkeepsie), stated, “My concern is ensuring that our county departments and local municipalities receive the support and funding necessary to effectively serve the people of our county. I look forward to the work ahead next year and the opportunity to deliver for our residents.”

Legislator Chris Drago (D-Town of Stanford) stated, “We cannot continue to ignore an EMS system that is failing communities across Dutchess County. My amendment would have given towns the tools they need to expand ambulance service and would have finally started the work of creating a coordinated countywide EMS plan- something our own studies, the State Comptroller, and our municipal leaders have repeatedly called for. It also recognized that we must begin taking the profit motive out of saving lives by strengthening municipal ambulance services instead of deepening our dependence on a single private provider. The Republican Caucus’ unanimous rejection shows a refusal to confront the crisis we are in. While they voted to maintain a system everyone knows is broken, our caucus will continue fighting for the reforms needed to protect public safety.”

Brennan Kearney (D-Rhinebeck), said, “My no vote reflects my commitment to the residents of Dutchess County to demand a budget that addresses the pressing needs of all our community members – many of whom are struggling to make ends meet in the current climate of financial insecurity. The County Executive’s budget fails to chart a clear path forward to protect our neighbors shouldering the burden of economic uncertainty and I cannot support it.”

The budget will now go to the county executive who can sign or veto the budget and/or individual amendments.

The Budget Override meeting and the Adoption of the Tax Levy meeting will take place December 17, 2025.