MidHudsonNews [dot] com is reporting 2019 spending plans have been finalized and adopted in Dutchess, Sullivan and Ulster counties. In Dutchess, County Executive Marcus Molinaro signed the budget December 14, and thanked the county legislature for a “thoughtful and illuminating” review process. The budget reduces the county property tax levy for the fifth consecutive year and lowers the property tax rate for a fourth year. With no discussion and on a unanimous vote, the Sullivan County Legislature adopted that county's $235 million budget for 2019. Crediting an improved economy, the tax levy will decrease next year by 1.6 percent. There will also be decreases in both the residential and commercial solid waste fees. And Ulster County Executive Michael Hein, December 13, signed the county’s 2019 spending plan that includes the lowest county property taxes since 2009, as well as a number of new initiatives, including the new Restorative Justice and Community Empowerment Center. Read all three stories at MidHudsonNews [dot] com.