Orange County Executive Neuhaus Presents 2026 Budget

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus presented his proposed 2026 County budget on September 30th at the Orange County Association of Towns, Villages, and Cities meeting at the historic Erie Hotel and Restaurant in Port Jervis.

The $1.04 Billion budget includes a proposed County Property Tax Rate of $2.013, down from last year's $2.142 and a 48.1 percent decrease since 2014. This marks the tenth year in a row of County property tax rate cuts under Neuhaus, and the lowest rate in Orange County since the 1960s.

"Cutting the County's property tax rate provides some relief to families and businesses in our County," said Neuhaus. "I'm proud of the teamwork across County government to deliver a budget that keeps County property taxes low while still providing high-quality services to residents. Responsible financial management has been and will continue to be a top priority." Neuhaus added, "We've achieved these results by encouraging economic development, protecting taxpayers, and investing in projects and services that improve the quality of life for our residents."

Chairman of the Legislature Kevin Hines, who has worked with Neuhaus on County budgets since 2014, stated, "County Executive Neuhaus, his office, and the County's Budget and Finance Teams have consistently presented the Legislature with a responsible and efficient budget. The proposed 2026 budget continues that trend. It helps County residents that the Legislature and the County Executive work well together and strive to create a fiscally sound budget. I look forward to the Legislative review process and the adoption of this budget."

Added Deb Slesinski, Director of Orange County's Budget Department, "This budget reflects County Executive Neuhaus' commitment to fiscal responsibility, while meeting the needs of our residents. The County continues to make strategic investments in infrastructure and services that are helping to keep Orange County strong."

Heather Bell, President and CEO of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, shared this regarding the proposed budget, "County Executive Neuhaus has a terrific team that works diligently to put together a budget to benefit County residents and businesses. Despite the continuing challenges that the state creates with its unfunded mandates, Neuhaus and his capable administration consistently deliver budgets that prioritize the taxpayers, both individuals and businesses."

The County has stabilized its finances during Neuhaus' tenure, even as the cost of unfunded State mandates continues to rise. In 2025, Orange County expects to collect $122.5 Million in County property taxes, while State mandates will exceed $195 Million.

"County Executive Neuhaus puts his strong leadership skills along with his many years of balancing large budgets to great use, all year long, but particularly during the budget season," said Denise Quinn, President of the Orange County Association of Towns, Villages, and Cities. "He has a clear vision for the future of Orange County and promotes economic development and other initiatives to help keep County property taxes low."

Neuhaus emphasized the broader impact of his budget: "This budget reflects not just financial discipline, but our values as a community. We are investing in public safety, seniors, mental health, education, and protecting our open space, all while working to keep Orange County affordable."

Highlights of the 2026 Executive Proposed Budget include:

• County Property Tax Rate reduced for the tenth consecutive year, remaining within the New York State Tax Cap.
• County Property Tax Rate has gone down 48.1 percent since 2014, while property values have risen 110 percent.
• $7 Million budgeted in hotel occupancy tax revenue for 2026.
• $240.2 Million in sales tax collected year-to-date in 2025; projected $412.3 Million by year end.
• Public safety investments, including free CPR training, peer counseling for first responders, and school and critical infrastructure mapping.

Other Initiatives in the 2026 Budget:

• Seniors and Veterans: Launched the GoGoGrandparent ride service program, with GoGoVeterans ride service program in the works.
• Education: Created summer internship program for high school and college students.
• Mental Health: Expanded peer counseling for first responders and appointed the County's first Peer Support Coordinator.
• Information Technology: Strengthened cybersecurity measures and hosted the first successful Cybersecurity Summit.
• Open Space: Helped to preserve over 125,000 acres of land, protecting the County's natural beauty.
• Acquisitions: Camp LaGuardia (to become a new County park) and Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center (to become a County-owned venue).

For more information, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive, Director of Public Information and Media Relations at 845.907.2332 or [email protected].