Neuhaus: County tax rate down second year in a row
GOSHEN – Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus unveiled his 2018
county budget Friday and it reduces the county tax rate for the second
year in a row.
His proposed spending plan totals $752 million, up from $735 million in
2017.
Neuhaus delivered his budget message at the newly constructed County Government
Center in Goshen. The facility is a combination of a new addition and
renovated old sections of the building.
The budget is expected to lower the county tax rate for the second year
in a row; it would be the lowest rate in five years.
The county’s unassigned fund balance has increased to $43.7 million,
more than doubling since 2013.
The county’s early retirement incentive, introduced in 2014, has
saved some $15 million without sacrificing services to residents, the
county executive said.
He also said sales tax revenue has increased $8.5 million since 2014,
hotel/motel room tax has increased 18 percent over the last three years,
and temporary assistance cases in the county have dropped by 18 percent;
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) cases have declined
by 12 percent.
“We have negotiated union contracts, completed long overdue projects,
reduced the workforce and kept taxes under control, all while improving
services to county residents,” Neuhaus said.
County Legislature Chairman Stephen Brescia said Neuhaus “continues
to find innovative ways to reduce the cost of government while expanding
services.”
