Monthly Report – May 2026
Rensselaer County residents deserve a government that is transparent, accessible, and responsive to the people it serves. For years, community members and the Minority Legislators have urged the Republican Majority to record and promptly post the monthly Public Forum on the county website and YouTube channel. Despite the fact that our new Legislative Chambers at 99 Troy Road are equipped with modern audiovisual technology, the public has continued to face delayed postings and poor‑quality video recordings.
The demand for livestreaming has been clear and consistent. Municipalities across our county — including East Greenbush, North Greenbush, Schodack, and Sand Lake — have been livestreaming their meetings for years. Rensselaer County should not be lagging behind when the tools for transparency are already in place.
In May, the Minority Caucus introduced Resolution G/24 to hire a livestreaming service for approximately $300 per month, covering unlimited county meetings. This is a simple, affordable, and common‑sense step toward modernizing public access. Unfortunately, the resolution was tabled, with the Majority citing the need to explore how other counties handle livestreaming or whether additional vendors exist.
At the May 12 Regular Meeting, Legislator Sabo expressed disappointment at the continued delays. Residents should not have to wait for basic transparency, especially when the cost is minimal and the technology is ready to use. The public deserves better than excuses.
However, we are encouraged that Legislators Ken Herrington and Tom Grant have now expressed support for moving forward, saying, “Let’s do it.” Their willingness to act is a positive sign, and we are cautiously optimistic that the county will finally take meaningful steps to implement livestreaming.
The Minority Caucus remains committed to ensuring that every resident has real‑time access to their government. We look forward to seeing when — and how — this long‑overdue modernization will be put into practice.
NEXT MEETING – Tuesday, June 9, 2026 in the Rensselaer County Chambers located at 99 Troy Road, East Greenbush, NY.
PUBLIC FORUM – Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Residents are welcome to contact our office at 518 270-2890.
www.rensselaercounty.org & follow us on Facebook: “Rensselaer County Legislature – Democratic Team