Molinaro (file): "... strategic long-term planning ..."

POUGHKEEPSIE – Last year was “no doubt … a difficult year,” but 2012 and 2013 “will be even more challenging,” Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro warned in the county’s annual report. The look back reviews the last year of the administration of former county executive William Steinhaus.

“Through tactical short-term and strategic long-term planning, my administration will work diligently to position county government to best address the needs of our residents despite these challenged,” Molinaro said.

In a 10 page report, he noted the county’s unemployment rate had dipped slightly at the end of 2011. He said the local housing market was “fairly flat” and that home foreclosures were down nearly 33 percent compared to 2010.

But, demands for health and human services agencies continued to increase to aid struggling families. Home Energy Assistance Program applications rose 67 percent and there was a 62 percent increase in calls for assistance to the mental hygiene’s helpline.

A key indicator of the lagging economy is that in December 2011, the Department of Social Services reported a total caseload for state mandated Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Safety Net, Medicaid, and Food Stamp programs to be 43,202, compared by 28,354 for the same period in 2007, an increase of 52 percent.

The state tax cap and state mandates continue to impact local governments, Molinaro said in his report.

Moody’s Investor’s Services, meanwhile, assigned an Aa1 bond rating with a negative outlook to Dutchess County and the county’s fund balance was reduced from $29.9 million to $24.5 million to pay for core services. “Prudent and pro-active fiscal management will be more essential than ever to rebuild fund balance and position county government for future fiscal challenges,” Molinaro said.