What Dutchess County Executive Bill O'Neil has in store for the next 10 months

Dutchess County Executive Bill O'Neil has less than 10 months to push forth an agenda that includes opening a new county jail, providing more services to mitigate the opioid crisis and finding a new location for an expanded homeless shelter.

Wednesday night, during his State of the County address, O'Neil said the county was reversing its decision to locate an emergency housing facility, with more than 100 beds and wraparound services, at 26 Oakley St. Instead, the county would keep open temporary housing units at the county jail until a permanent location can be found.

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Most of the projects O'Neil spoke about are ones that initiated by his predecessor as county executive, Marc Molinaro, who was elected to Congress in November. O'Neil, who was deputy county executive under Molinaro, said he will not run when the current term expires. Running this year for the seat will be former state Sen. Sue Serino, a Republican, and veterans' advocate Tommy Zurhellen, a Democrat.

This year's elections could be shaped by issues including crime, the homeless shelter, the youth center and the Dutchess County stadium. O'Neil spoke about the Youth Opportunity Union, which has been in the planning stages since the county purchased the property in 2021. The youth center will replace the former YMCA building in the city of Poughkeepsie.

"Make no mistake, we’re not building a palace. This is a design we’re confident is attainable, buildable, and phase-able," he said. The county is still working on programming and raising funds.

O'Neil also spoke about the county's financial health, stating, "We make tough decisions, maximizing state and federal revenues while minimizing the amount needed from local taxpayers. Our work has clearly paid off."

The county went into this year with a $587 million budget, with much of its revenue from sales tax, property tax and state and federal funding. The county property tax rate was cut by 32% since 2015.

"Our prudent fiscal management allows us to make critical projects a reality. We are currently in the midst of several key projects that will serve Dutchess County for generations to come," he said.

Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center

Dutchess County plans to open its new jail this summer, featuring a design that offers "direct supervision," enhanced security and more cameras intended to provide a safer work environment for corrections officers.

The county also hopes to build on programs such as RESTART, an evidence-based program that provides cognitive behavioral therapy which has reduced recidivism, and RECHARGE, which helps individuals find housing and jobs after they are released from jail.

"This replacement of the County Jail has been decades in the making, with challenges to overcome including siting issues and logistical hurdles of demolition and relocation of the Sheriff’s Office," O'Neil said.

Reopening search for emergency housing facility

Dutchess will be looking for a new location for its emergency housing facility after saying it's in discussions with the Poughkeepsie City School District to sell its building at 26 Oakley St.

"Unfortunately, the continued opposition to this location, the costs to meet the zoning codes, as well as the Community Benefit Payment requests by the City Council, have caused us to reconsider," O'Neil said. The county said it will be restarting the search.

One temporary solution is to provide programming and housing at the current jail. The jail facility will be vacated in July when the Justice and Transition Center opens up. Another option the county is considering is using it as a centralized arraignment court.

Mental health services

The county is making strides in its work to stem the mental health and opioid crisis with services such as its newly launched Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program, the Empowerment Center and MidHudson Regional Hospital's Center for Excellence in Behavioral Health.

The diversion program, otherwise known as LEAD, is being piloted with the city of Poughkeepsie police. The programs provide alternatives to charging individuals with a crime and jail time.

The Empowerment Center provides recovery coaches who help clients build relationships and support. The services are open during the day, whereas the county's Stabilization Center is open 24 hours and provides urgent care.

The county had previously announced a $3 million investment to partner with Westchester Medical Center Health Network and MidHudson Regional Hospital to create a “Behavioral Health Center of Excellence.” The funding will go toward creating a more therapeutic space for patients. WMC also plans to expand its behavioral health services, staff and training opportunities for nurses and clinicians.

"Our continuum of care is stronger than ever and yet, we will continue to identify new creative approaches to meet people where they are and bring our neighbors exceptional help and hope," O'Neil said.

Saba Ali: Sali1@poughkeepsiejournal.com: 845-451-4518: @MsSabaAli.

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: What the Dutchess County Executive has in store for the next 10 months