Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus presented his 2027 Executive Recommended Budget on September 29th at the Orange County Association of Towns, Villages, and Cities meeting at the Erie Hotel and Restaurant in Port Jervis.
The $1.078B budget includes a proposed County Property Tax Rate of $1.945, down from last year’s 2.013 and 49.9 percent lower than 2014(3.880). This marks a historic 11th consecutive year of County Property Tax Rate cuts under Neuhaus. The proposed rate stays within the New York State Tax Cap and remains the lowest rate in Orange County since the 1960s.
“Reducing the County’s Property Tax Rate provides meaningful relief to families and businesses while maintaining the high-quality services our residents deserve,” said Neuhaus. “Through collaboration across County government, and responsible fiscal management, I am proud to present a proposed budget that protects taxpayers, promotes economic growth, and invests in the projects and services that strengthen our communities and enhance the quality of life for those who live and work here.” Neuhaus added, “I am dedicated to responsible, transparent use of taxpayer dollars, and investing wisely today so Orange County stays safe, stable, and thriving tomorrow.”
Under Neuhaus’ leadership, the County has kept the tax rate down even as the cost of New York State’s unfunded mandates continues to grow. In 2027, Orange County’s share of these mandates could total as much as 79M), pensions (40M), preschoolspecialeducation(29M), public assistance and the safety net (15M),and child wellfare (14M).
“A County budget that strengthens local services while maintaining long‑term fiscal stability is essential for our towns, villages, and cities,” said Denise Quinn, President of the Orange County Association of Towns, Villages, and Cities. “County Executive Neuhaus’ continued commitment to lowering the property tax rate and sharing robust sales tax revenues helps municipalities plan, invest, and deliver the everyday services our residents rely on and deserve.”
There are significant new fiscal pressures on the horizon, driven in part by federal changes under H.R. 1 that shift additional SNAP administrative costs onto states; costs that New York State is now passing down to counties. For Orange County, this represents an estimated $2.1M impact in 2027, with additional benefit‑cost exposure beginning next October. At the same time, the County faces a projected $10M annual revenue loss at the Orange County Jail, further heightening the budgetary challenges ahead.
“Working with County Executive Neuhaus to develop the 2027 Orange County budget required a careful review of every dollar amid rising fiscal pressures and increased cost shifts from the state and federal governments,” said Gretchen Riordan, Orange County Budget Director. “More than reducing spending, this process is about prioritizing essential services and building a sustainable budget for the future.”
Conor Eckert, President & CEO of the Orange County Partnership added, “In a complex macroeconomic environment, County Executive Neuhaus’ proposed budget prioritizes strategic economic development, infrastructure investment, and job creation which all strengthen Orange County’s position as a place where businesses can invest and grow. As we compete for new investment, these priorities will help Orange County play a leading role in New York’s growth.”
Neuhaus lauded his team for their hard work and effort. “Like families and individuals doing their own budgets, we all had to take a good look at our expenses, sharpen our pencils, and make some difficult decisions. I’m proud of the County’s Department Heads, and especially Gretchen Riordan, Director of Budget, and Kerry Gallagher, Commissioner of Finance, for working diligently to help put this proposed budget together.”
Key Takeaways of the 2027 Executive Recommended Budget include:
- County Property Tax Rate lowered for the 11th consecutive year to $1.945, remaining within the New York State Tax Cap
- The County Property Tax Rate has gone down 49.9 percent since 2014, while the full value of County properties has more than doubled, rising from $29.4B to $66.8B
- Sales Tax Revenues of $433.6M proposed for 2027, up from $412.3M budgeted for 2026, (with $247.3M collected through September 7th). The County projects sharing $115.1M with 43 municipalities in 2027, bringing the total sales tax revenues shared with municipalities since 2014 to over $1B
Other Initiatives in the 2027 Budget:
- Public Safety investments include major modernization of the 911 Center (planned for 2027), continuing the successful peer support program (which has assisted with more than 600 cases since February 2025) and the free CPR training (which has certified 800 residents this year) and expanding the critical infrastructure mapping (98 school buildings have been mapped)
- Mental Health satellite clinics, now in 31 school buildings across 12 districts, and ready to expand to more
- Seniors: Three new congregate dining sites planned to join the existing six sites, continued investment in GoGo Grandparent (number of rides has doubled since September 2025 and continues to grow)
- DPW/Infrastructure: 25 miles of County roads projected to be paved in 2027, continue to realize savings by completing projects in-house
For more information, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive, Director of Public Information and Media Relations at 845.291.2700 or presscontact@orangecountyny.gov
