Orange County Government

Office of County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                                                           Contact: Rebecca Sheehan
December 5, 2025                                                                                   Phone: 845.907.2332

Orange County Legislature Unanimously Passes County Executive Neuhaus’ Budget for Six Years in a Row

2026 Budget Cuts the County Property Tax Rate Again

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus announced that the County Legislature has unanimously adopted the 2026 Budget in the amount of $1,046,951,165 with a vote of 20-0 on December 4^th. The County Tax Rate is set at $2.013, down from last year’s rate of $2.142, marking the lowest County tax rate since the 1960s.

“The County’s 2026 budget once again shows steadfast stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” stated County Executive Neuhaus. “Efficient and effective fiscal practices as well as the excellent working relationship that exists between my administration and the County Legislature contributed to the 2026 budget once again lowering County property taxes while remaining fiscally responsible and delivering essential services. This gives property tax relief to all residents, including seniors and struggling families. I am proud of my team in County Government and the County Legislature who work side by side to make sure the budget is developed in a responsible and sound manner.”

Orange County Budget Director Deborah Slesinski added, "Thank you to County Executive Neuhaus, the Legislature, and my team for their collaboration throughout this process. With the adoption of the 2026 Budget, we remain committed to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and supporting the services on which our residents rely. This budget is focused on sustaining essential services, investing in infrastructure, and making prudent financial decisions that will benefit the County now and in the future."

“The continued reduction in the County’s property taxes in Orange County’s 2026 budget is a testament to the County’s strong and consistent commitment to supporting our local businesses,” said Heather Bell, President and CEO of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. “County Executive Neuhaus, a champion of smart economic development, knows that lower taxes provide businesses with greater flexibility to invest, expand, and create jobs, while also attracting new companies. His excellent stewardship of our tax dollars and the support of the Orange County Legislature are real benefits to residents and businesses in our community.”

Additional highlights of the 2026 Budget include:

• The County Tax Rate will drop for the 10th consecutive year and remains within the New York State Tax Cap mandate.
• The County’s Property Tax Rate has gone down since 2016, and property values have increased over 100% during that same time.
• The County will budget $7 Million in 2026 for hotel occupancy tax.

“The 2026 budget delivers meaningful tax relief while maintaining fiscal responsibility and funding essential services that our residents need,” stated Chairman of the Legislature Kevin W. Hines. “By continuing to work effectively with the County Executive, the Legislature is committed to keeping Orange County on a strong financial course.”

For general media inquiries, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive and Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845-291-2700 or presscontact@orangecountygov.com.

Stay connected with County Executive Neuhaus and Orange County Government on social media: 

• Facebook: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus 
• Instagram: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus 
• X (formerly Twitter): @OCGovNY | @SNeuhausOC 

Be sure to also check out the Blueprint Orange video series, a behind-the-scenes look at the projects, places, and people that make our County a great place to live. And don’t miss the newest episode of NeuCast, now streaming on the Orange County Government YouTube channel.

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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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