Patricia Doxsey is reporting in the Daily Freeman Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan outlined his proposed $342.28 million 2020 county budget October 3. Under the proposal, the size of county government would grow — spending is projected to increase by 3.9 percent, but the amount to be raised by property taxes will decrease by a quarter of a percent. Ryan outlined his "Big Five" initiatives for the year ahead: a green new deal for the county, tackling the opioid epidemic, growing and diversifying the county's economy, ensuring justice for all county residents, and creating a more responsive and responsible government. The plan calls for the creation of 27 new positions, including seven new positions in the county Public Defender's Office and two new sheriff's deputies, converting the part-time positions of Youth Bureau director and Human Rights Commissioner to full time, as well as the addition of a chief diversity officer to help recruit candidates for employment with the county. The 2020 budget would also establish a Department of Economic Development. Ryan will use roughly $9 million from the county's $34.5 million fund balance and an anticipated increase in the county's sales tax revenue of about 5 percent. The legislature will vote on a final 2020 budget on December 4. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.