Democrat File Photo A NEW FAMILY rate approved by legislators on Tuesday will make visiting Fort Delaware more affordable.

Annual report charts possible policy paths

By Dan Hust
MONTICELLO — County Manager David Fanslau issued his annual report on Sullivan County on Thursday, with legislators getting the first look in Executive Committee.
Inside its 108 pages, Fanslau lauds successes in consolidating and restructuring a variety of county divisions and departments, while also looking to continue such efforts, particularly with the Division of Public Works (DPW).
For example, should legislators agree that the solid waste system warrants continuation in the county, Fanslau writes that he will push for a separate division to handle solid waste, recycling and the landfill.
In fact, the county manager feels that DPW “is at a crossroads,” and that further consolidation may be warranted, especially if an upcoming divisional review indicates cost savings by shifting road and bridge maintenance duties to outside contractors.
The rest of the report offers insights into Fanslau’s leadership of county government, the successes and challenges facing virtually every division, and sometimes subtle references to interdepartmental disagreements.
The entire report is available for download on the county’s website at www.scgnet.us.
new family rates
The Public Works Committee unanimously approved adding a “family rate” to Fort Delaware’s just-increased fee schedule.
A family with one or two parents and up to three children will be charged $20 to enter the museum of local colonial history, located off Route 97 in Narrowsburg.
Actual savings will only result, however, if the family includes two parents and at least two children older than five (those under five are free).
The rate is effective May 1.
Energy audits on the way
In a first move toward revamping the Community Services complex in Liberty to be more energy-efficient, Executive Committee members unanimously agreed to have Wendel Energy Services conduct a comprehensive energy audit.
The $10,100 audit will assess the energy usage and needs of the Travis Building, the Shared Health Clinic and the Community Services Building, said Office of Sustainable Energy Coordinator Heather Brown.
The study will be used to determine a path of action to reduce energy costs, she said.