‘Orange County government is a well-oiled machine’
Goshen. County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus touted his administration’s accomplishments and successes during his 2025 State of the County address.
| 25 Apr 2025 | 12:42
“Orange County continues to improve and upgrade its 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,” County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said during his State of the County address. Photo by Henry Smith.
“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,” County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said in his recent State of the County message. Photo by Henry Smith.
“Our unemployment rate is lower than both the Federal and State governments, and our tax base continues to grow,” County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said during his 2025 State of the County address at the Emergency Services Auditorium in Goshen. “We’re moving full speed ahead in a positive direction.”
Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus delivered his State of the County address to a packed audience on Wednesday evening, April 23 at the Emergency Services Center auditorium.
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,” Neuhaus said. “Orange County government is a well-oiled machine, running efficiently and on all cylinders.”
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,” the county executive said. “This combination contributes to making our financial rating one of the highest in New York State 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.”
Highlights
The State of the County address highlighted the following:
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 more than $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 its 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.
‘A place where people want to live and work’
“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,” Neuhaus said. “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.
“Three of the objectives that I focus on are: lower taxes, smaller government and less debt,” he added. ”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.”
To watch the 2025 State of the County Address, please visit either of the following: Orange County Government, You Tube or Facebook.
Reaction
Kevin Hines, Chairman of the Orange County Legislature:
“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 1960’s 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.”
Heather Bell, President and CEO of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce:
”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.”