Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus delivered his State of the County address to a packed audience on Wednesday evening, April 23rd at the Emergency Services Center auditorium. The event was also livestreamed on Facebook.
“It’s always an honor and a privilege to introduce my friend and colleague in County Government and our County Executive, Steve Neuhaus,” Kelly Eskew, Orange County Clerk said. “We are both dedicated to operating an efficient County government for the residents of Orange County, and I am grateful to work with Steve and our entire County workforce in delivering excellent services in an effective and efficient manner. Once again, County Executive Neuhaus delivered a great State of the County address, sharing some positive statistics and events from 2024, as well as exciting new initiatives for 2025.”
The address highlighted the work of many of the County’s departments, including Finance, DPW, and Parks. “I am so proud of my administration, from County employees to Department Heads, from our County Attorney to our Youth Bureau for their continued dedication to and hard work on behalf of the residents of Orange County. Orange County government is a well-oiled machine, running efficiently and on all cylinders,” Neuhaus said.
During his address, Neuhaus touted the many positives that are happening in the County that contribute to its financial success and the protection of taxpayer dollars. “We have continued to reduce the County Property Tax Rate, while simultaneously lowering the County debt and sharing sales tax with our municipalities. This combination contributes to making our financial rating one of the highest in NYS and our fiscal stress score zero. Our unemployment rate is lower than both the Federal and State governments, and our tax base continues to grow. We’re moving full speed ahead in a positive direction!”
Kevin Hines, Chairman of the Orange County Legislature stated: “The strong working relationship the Legislature has with County Executive Neuhaus is a major positive for County residents. By working as a team, we have made positive changes resulting in the lowest County tax rate since the 1960s and have encouraged booming economic development with millions of dollars being invested in our County. Our initiatives and teamwork have poised Orange County for even more growth and success. The Legislature and I look forward to continuing to work with County Executive Neuhaus to ensure Orange County remains the best County in New York.”
Neuhaus also delivered a preview of the State of the County address on Thursday April 17th to a crowd of over 200 business community members at the Orange County Chamber of Commerce meeting at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets.
“When County Executive Neuhaus delivers his State of the County address to the Orange County Chamber of Commerce members, it is standing room only. This year’s State of the County was no different and we’re glad to be a part of the major success story that Orange County has under Steve’s leadership. He is a champion of the business community and a responsible steward of County taxpayers’ money,” said Heather Bell, President and CEO of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce.
Highlights from the State of the County address include:
- S&P rated Orange County’s financial bond rating AA+, one of the highest ratings that S&P has given to counties in New York State. This rating reflects the strength of the County’s reserves and a large tax base that continues to expand.
- The County’s Tax Rate is the lowest since the 1960s.
- The County Government’s workforce is smaller and more efficient than 10 years ago.
- The County continues to reduce debt, which is down over $58 Million from 10 years ago.
- Orange County continues to share sales tax with our municipalities, to the tune of close to $1 Billion over the past 10 years.
- The County is using Federal ARPA funds for infrastructure projects, equipment purchases, and the construction of a state-of-the-art medical examiner’s office, which will save Orange County taxpayers’ money by eliminating the need to borrow or bond for these projects in the future.
- The County stepped in to help our schools by using ARPA funds to improve the communication systems within our schools, enabling first responders to keep students safer.
- The County is increasing funding for open space from $1 Million in 2024 to $4 Million in 2025.
- The County’s unassigned fund balance continues to grow and remains at State Comptroller and bond agency recommended levels with no fiscal stress. This despite continuing to meet the State’s unfunded mandates.
- The County’s Emergency Operations Team and municipal first responders continue to outperform expectations and are a role model for other New York State emergency management systems, as evidenced by their exemplary response to the November 2024 Jennings Creek Wildland Fire.
- The County’s roads, according to the most recent NYS Region 8 NYSDOT Pavement Data Report, receive an average rating of 85, while NYS roads receive an average rating of 57.
- The County continues to improve and upgrade our County Parks, including safety improvements to bridges on the Trail, construction commencing on the Schunnemunk Trail, and the newly announced plans to transform the Camp LaGuardia property, all of which will further enhance quality of life for residents and visitors.
- The County’s Tourism and Film industries continue to be areas of significant growth, with numerous film production studios in operation and more to come.
“My administration will continue to invest in affordable housing, emergency preparedness, open space, new parks and trails, and whatever other initiatives and programs meet the needs of our residents and help Orange County remain a place where people want to live and work. Orange County’s future is bright, and I look forward to seeing how the many projects and initiatives we are undertaking today come to fruition for the benefit of our entire community.”
Neuhaus added, “It continues to be an honor and a privilege to be Orange County’s Executive. Three of the objectives that I focus on are: lower taxes, smaller government, and less debt. By continuing to stabilize these three fundamentals, despite what is happening on the federal and state levels, we will be positioned to continue to invest in our infrastructure, pursue economic development, and preserve valuable open space. I’m excited about the continued positive direction of our County.”
