County Legislator Bill Ricard

10/15/2026

At Tuesday night's Albany County Legislature meeting, we had a chance to recognize Rebekah Nellis Kennedy as she gets ready to move on to a new job.

Rebekah has served as our Democratic Majority Counsel for the past 6½ years. I've worked with her throughout my time in the Legislature and have always appreciated her knowledge, professionalism, and willingness to help. She's been a real asset to all of us, and she'll certainly be missed.

Congratulations, Rebekah, on your new position as Principal Law Clerk to the Honorable Jennifer Sober in Rensselaer County. Thank you for everything you've done for Albany County, and I wish you all the best!

We also welcomed Ryan Horstmyer as our new Majority Counsel. Ryan is no stranger to the Legislature, having served as a County Legislator representing Colonie years ago.

Welcome back, Ryan! Looking forward to working with you.

10/13/2026

It was a pleasure to join my colleague, Albany County Legislator Maggie Alix, in voting to formally approve Resolution No. 340, dedicating the former Cohoes Community Center as the Gil Ethier Albany County Athletic and Community Center.

Gil has served the people of Cohoes in the Albany County Legislature since 1979 and currently serves as our Deputy Majority Leader.

His commitment to this community goes back even further. In the 1960s, Gil helped raise funds to build the original Cohoes Community Center. Years later, he worked tirelessly with County officials to bring the facility back to life.

For nearly five decades, Gil has been a dedicated advocate for Cohoes and its residents.

I'm proud to serve alongside Gil and pleased that this important community facility will carry his name for generations to come.

Congratulations, Gil, and thank you for your many years of service to our community!

10/12/2026

Albany County’s Proposed 2027 Budget Released

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy released his proposed 2027 County Budget today, totaling $950 million.

The proposal includes some good news for taxpayers, including a reduction in the County property tax rate for the 13th consecutive year. Under the proposal, the rate would decrease from $2.56 to $2.48 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

The budget also continues efforts to reduce County debt, maintain essential services, and address rising costs being passed down to counties by the state and federal governments.

As Chair of the Public Works Committee, I'll be taking a close look at the proposal as the Legislature begins its budget hearings.

There's a lot to consider, and it's important that we look at the full picture: the impact on taxpayers, the services our residents rely on, and the investments we're making in our communities.

I'll share additional updates as the budget hearings move forward.

You can learn more about the proposed budget at www.albanycountyny.gov.

10/12/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Columbus Day!

Wishing everyone celebrating today a wonderful holiday.

Today is also an opportunity to recognize the rich Italian-American heritage, traditions, and contributions that have helped shape our communities, including right here in Cohoes.

Enjoy the day! 🇮🇹

10/11/2026

⛽ $3.09 a gallon at Sam's Club today!

I stopped to fill up again today and paid $3.09 per gallon for regular gas. That's down another 9 cents from what I paid last week.

The catch? I waited about 40 minutes in line! 😂 Judging by the number of cars waiting, I certainly wasn't the only one looking to save a few dollars.

The cost of living is still a challenge for a lot of families. Between groceries, utilities, gasoline and everything else, it all adds up.

Every penny counts, and if sharing a good gas price helps someone save a little money, I'm happy to pass it along.

Just be prepared to wait a bit! ⛽

10/07/2026

Remembering October 7th — Three Years Later. 🕯️

10/07/2026

☕ Coffee with a Cop this morning in Cohoes! 👮‍♂️
I stopped by Stewart’s on Columbia Street this morning for Coffee with a Cop and had a chance to catch up with members of the Cohoes Police Department.
It’s always good to have opportunities like this where residents can stop in, meet the officers who serve our community, ask questions and simply have a conversation over a cup of coffee.
They’ll be at Stewart’s, 480 Columbia Street, until 10:00 a.m. this morning if you’d like to stop by.
Thanks to the Cohoes Police Department and Stewart’s Shops for putting this together! ☕💙

09/23/2026

💙 Welcoming Two New Cohoes Police Officers 💙
I was glad to join my colleague, Albany County Legislature Deputy Majority Leader Gil Ethier, Mayor Bill Keeler, Cohoes Police Chief Todd Waldin, Assistant Chief Timothy Keefe, and others at City Hall this morning as Frank Martinez-Feliz and George Perry were sworn in as the newest members of the Cohoes Police Department.
Both officers will begin their training at the Albany County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Institute next week before eventually returning to Cohoes for field training.
Congratulations to Officers Martinez-Feliz and Perry as they begin their law enforcement careers, and thank you for choosing to serve our community. I wish you both a safe and successful career with the Cohoes Police Department. 💙

09/21/2026

🕊️ Yom Kippur 🕊️
As the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur is a time for reflection, prayer, and atonement. To all who are observing, I wish you a meaningful fast and a day of peace and renewal.
May this sacred day bring forgiveness, healing, and hope for the year ahead.
G’mar Chatimah Tovah — may you be sealed in the Book of Life for a good year.

09/14/2026

Keeping you informed.
I've been updating my website with information about what's happening in Cohoes and throughout Albany County, including community programs, county investments, public safety information, and the work I'm doing in our community.
I've also added more photos from events and activities throughout Cohoes and Albany County.
Visit the website and take a look at the latest Statements & Updates, Photo Gallery, and more:

Bill Ricard