September 24, 2024
Dear Honorable Members of the Orange County Legislature:
In accordance with Section 4.04(b) of the Orange County Charter, I am pleased to present the Executive Recommended Budget for fiscal Year 2025, along with related financial information.
My proposed County budget for 2025 is $987,335,559. Of this total, $534,876,017 is projected to be raised locally through sales tax and property tax. This proposed budget achieves three critical objectives:
• It complies with the state-imposed Tax Cap.
• The proposed Property Tax Rate is set at $2.176 per $1,000 of assess value, which will generate $122,536,148 in County property taxes. I am proud that this marks the ninth consecutive year. Under my
administration that we have reduced the County Tax Rate.
• Additionally, there is no increase to the Tax Levy this year.
The County’s Sales Tax Rate for 2025 will remain at 3 ¾ percent. We estimate that this will generate $412,339,869 in Sales Tax, with $302,879,900 allocated for County operations and $109,459,969 to be shared
among Orange County’s cities, towns and villages.
Despite our fiscal discipline, our County continues to face the challenges of unfunded state mandates. These mandates burden our communities, making it more difficult to keep local dollars for local priorities, deliver
essential services, hire personnel, stimulate economic growth, and ultimately, provide residents with reasons to stay and thrive in Orange County.
The Executive and Legislative branches of County Government have collaborated effectively to revitalize Orange County’s growing economy. We encourage our State Legislators to recognize the success of our
cooperative and fiscally prudent approach. It is essential that they demonstrate similar fiscal restraint to safeguard our taxpayers from excessive financial burdens and choose to stay living and working in New York
State.
I look forward to the important work ahead as we craft a well-considered and balanced 2025 budget, one that reflects the shared values of our County Government and enhances the vitality of the Orange County
community.
Sincerely,
/s/
Steven M. Neuhaus
County Executive