As the former county administrator, Hein presented a budget recommendation to the county legislature. Now, as county executive, has has more direct control over the budget.

KINGSTON – It’s not that they suddenly find themselves with a lot of free time on their hands, but with Ulster County’s new charter, the county legislature is less involved in preparing the annual budget.  That, now, is the sole authority of the new county executive, a position created by the charter.

The county legislature is considering a resolution that would authorize the County Legislature “To have representation at departmental budget review sessions with the county executive’s office and to receive copies of all departmental budget requests and accompanying documentation.”

Ways and Means Committee Chairman Alan Lomita concedes not everyone, notably County Executive Michael Hein, is crazy about that idea. 

From the legislature’s perspective, Lomita says this is just an effort to ‘feel their way’ through the sweeping changes in how county government works.

“Some legislators want to be able to listen to the work product as it’s being made, then there are others that have the feeling that legislature gets the budget in October and at that time, our work begins.  So, it seems to be a difference of opinion … a difference of opinion within the legislature about what our role is.”

The Ways and Means Committee did not act on the resolution at their Wednesday meeting.  It is being referred to the Law and Rules Committee, which will discuss it Monday.