Orange County Government

Office of County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Contact: Rebecca Sheehan

July 18, 2024 845.291.2700

Orange County Finances are in Excellent Condition

Received top grade from 2023 audit

Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and Commissioner of Finance Kerry Gallagher are pleased to announce that, upon completion of our 2023 audit, we have received an “unmodified or clean” opinion from our auditors, PKF O’Connor Davies.

This independent assessment confirms that the County’s financial statements present a true and fair view of its financial position in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and is the highest opinion that can be given by a CPA firm.

“One of the most fundamental impacts that we can have in running local government is to reduce the burden of taxation on the average family and or business,” said Neuhaus. “I am proud of my administration, in particular the men and women that make up the County workforce, as well as our very close relationship with the Orange County Legislature. This formula of motivation and cooperation has led to our financial strength, which ultimately improves our community.”

During the Legislature’s joint Education and Economic Development and Ways and Means Committee meeting on July 15^th, all committee members were made aware of the third-party report by O’Connor Davies regarding the financial strength of the County.

“The fiscal policies and positive working relationships between the Legislature and the County Executive’s office and every County department continue to flourish, despite the policies and burdens placed on us by New York State,” said Joseph Minuta, County Legislator and Education and Economic Development Committee Chairperson. “This report, accompanied by Orange County’s bond rating, acknowledges that our County is without a doubt one of the strongest counties in the state.”

Key highlights of the audit include:

1. Financial Integrity: The unmodified opinion reflects Orange County’s commitment to maintaining rigorous accounting practices and transparency.

2. Strong Financial Position: The audit highlighted the County’s solid financial health, with decreased real property tax levy, increased reserve balances, increased grant utilization, and reduced debt.

3. Internal Controls: The auditors noted effective internal controls, ensuring the reliability of financial reporting and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

4. Commitment to Best Practices: Orange County continues to invest in enhancing its accounting processes and systems, fostering ongoing improvements in financial governance.

5. Fund Balance Assignments: The County has allocated funding to several projects with an emphasis on open space, public safety enhancements, parks, IT security, and infrastructure.

“This unmodified opinion underscores our dedication to financial excellence and accountability,” said Commissioner Gallagher. “We are proud of our achievements and remain committed to serving our constituents with integrity. This is possible due to the dedication of the Finance Department and the support of the County Executive and the Legislature.”

“We are grateful to be recognized for Orange County’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparent budgeting,” said Budget Director Deborah Slesinski. “This achievement is a testament to the County and its collaborative efforts.”

When Neuhaus took office in 2014, the County’s financial situation was poor. Working collaboratively with the County Legislature helped turn around and stabilize the County’s finances.

“I have worked closely with all department heads to change the financial picture of our County,” Neuhaus said. “It is something we are all very proud of, and we will continue to strive to be excellent stewards of County taxpayers’ dollars. It is gratifying to see the County’s finances stable while its economy continues to grow.”

Neuhaus has helped to settle all open labor contracts and worked closely with the County’s economic development partners to spur economic growth. Today, Orange County has the lowest property tax rate in over 50 years, the lowest debt in ten years, and a more efficient and productive workforce.

“It’s a great accomplishment for Orange County to continue this path while maintaining excellent fiscal management and planning,” said County Legislator and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Leigh Benton. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the County Executive and the Legislature, we have become one of the best managed counties in the state.”

According to Gallagher, based on PFK O’Connor Davies’ favorable opinion, the County will be submitting its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report to the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), with anticipation of receiving its 29^th consecutive GFOA award, the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting.

“The County Executive has created a culture whereby everyone who works in and for the County is motivated to succeed,” said Noah Nadelson, the County’s Municipal Financial Advisor. “Solid, timely financial reporting is critical in the minds of investors. These comments from the outside auditors and rating agencies are a direct result of Commissioner Gallagher’s leadership and execution. We have had the fortune of witnessing the growth and the dramatic improvement in the County finances over the past several years, and we are grateful to the County Executive for letting us be a part of this successful team.”

For more information, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive, Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845.291.2700 or presscontact@orangecountygov.com.

To learn more about what County Executive Neuhaus is doing for Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on Facebook, @Orange County NY Govt and @steve.neuhaus on Instagram, and @OCGovNY and @SNeuhausOC on X.

You can also watch Neuhaus’ NeuCast podcasts and Leadership Speaker Series on YouTube.

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Rebecca Sheehan

Assistant to County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus

Director of Public Information & Media Relations

Orange County Government Center

255-275 Main Street, 3^rd Floor

Goshen, New York 10924

Main: 845-291-2700

Direct: 845-291-3255

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