County honors employees for going above and beyond

CATSKILL―Greene County lawmakers tipped their hats this week to a slate of employees who were honored for going above and beyond their duties.

“This is an annual thing that we do,” said Greene County Legislative Chairman Patrick Linger.

“I can tell you that we had some choices to make that were very difficult. Very good nominees this year,” he added.

The 2026 Chairman’s Award, titled “Teamwork and Pure Grit,” went to the Department of Social Services’ Temporary Assistance Unit that is responsible for the Welfare To Work (WTW) Program.

“Clients receive comprehensive support, including information on job services, job search assistance, employment leads and referrals to local organizations that provide supported services, job development training educational programs and work opportunities,” Linger explained.

In August of 2024, the unit had just 3.8% of clients participating in countable work activities.

But Linger said they built a “team of dynamic, focused examiners and support staff who were creative and determined to get clients back to work.”

When they ran out of local businesses willing to accept their clients into the workplace, the unit created opportunities within county government.

The clients, Linger said, “now take pride in keeping the building clean by vacuuming, mopping, sweeping, pulling weeds, picking up cigarette butts and shoveling snow.”

As of this week, 51.3% of clients in the program are working and Greene County has the top ranked WTW program in the entire state.

“This dedicated and result-drive team empowers clients to achieve self-sufficiency. When a path is not pursued, they work tirelessly to address every challenge, leaving no detail overlooked,” said Linger, presenting the Chairman’s Award to Laura Becker, Stacey Smith, Jessica Swart, Miasia Williams and Sandra Francis.

Choosing the 2026 Employee of the Year was especially hard, so the award went to two county employees: Highway Department Garage Manager Wesley Benson and Information Technology Department Network Support Technician Lee Gerber.

“Both of these people really deserve a bit of recognition,” said Linger.

Linger credited Benson for his “exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication and selfless commitment to service [that] has made a lasting and countywide impact that truly distinguishes him among his peers.”

“His work consistently reflects his deep understanding of the county’s mission and a vital role fleet services play in supporting it,” Linger said.

What truly sets Benson apart, Linger added, “is his patience, professionalism and ability to mentor staff. He leads by example, taking time to guide and develop our employees with respect and encouragement.”

Gerber was honored for “his exceptional reliability, initiative and technical expertise and positive impact on both his department and the county as a whole,” Linger noted.

“He approaches every responsibility with strong problem solving skills, outstanding customer service and a genuine eagerness to take on new projects,” Linger said. “Beyond measurable outcomes, his presence enhances departmental morale. His professionalism, teamwork and commitment to elevate those around him fosters a stronger, more resilient department.”

The Greene County Team of the Year award for 2026 went to the Tax Office from the Treasurer's Office. It consists of Director of Taxes Maria LaRosa, Deputy Director of Taxes Stacey Macklin and Principal Account Clerk Typist Jennifer Niebling.

“These three dedicated county employees are solely responsible for the monumental task of collection of all delinquent or relevant taxes due and owing to the County of Greene,” Linger said.

“This small department was on the front line of the first tax foreclosure sale Greene County has had since the Covid 19 pandemic of 2020,” he added.

Since 2023, the trio processed 875 properties and ultimately collected a staggering $9,722,132.48, while assisting hundreds of residents retain their homes.  

“As 2025 came around, these three county employees, with minor support from the county attorney as needed, drafted the foreclosure petitions and notices of petition for 592 parcels of real property which remained delinquent from 2022 and 2023 tax years,” Linger explained.

Then began the period of redemption where property owners can come into the tax office and pay what is due. Over six months, the team received and processed 400 payments, assisted five qualified property owners in entering into installment plans and then processed late payments for another 22 parcels.

In September, the county captured title to 147 properties and the team then assisted 60 more homeowners in repurchasing their properties.

“This team worked quietly and tirelessly demonstrating accuracy and independence while also engaging exceptionally well with the public during unimaginably difficult times,” Linger said. “Their unwavering commitment helped residents remain in their homes and they deserve recognition for their outstanding diligence.”