Physical Services Committee Meeting - Budget Hearings - 10/26/26 - 2pm

Orange County, New York Physical Services Committee budget hearing, October 26, 2026: The committee reviewed departmental operating and capital budgets and approved the Soil and Water Conservation District, parks, special recreation facilities, and capital plans. The Soil and Water Conservation District requested a 4.5% increase, citing employee retention and personnel costs; its representatives said the district manages about $2.3 million in contracts and uses county funding as a match for state grants. For the Water Authority budget, a unanimous amendment restored $125,000 for conservation education using county fund balance. Members also discussed a proposed $200,000 grant-matching line and the authority’s expectation of a grant reimbursement larger than forecast, but did not approve a specific restoration of that line. Parks’ proposed budget was a little over $9.5 million, and special recreation facilities’ budget was a little over $3.7 million.

The committee approved acceptance of $2 million in Orange County Community Development funding for County Route 105/Dodge Boulevard intersection improvements and a FEMA hazard-mitigation award for Mudna Creek streambank reconstruction and parking; the latter was described through funding shares totaling approximately $1.25 million, including a $150,000 county share. Sewer capital work includes expansion of the Herman treatment plant and its collection system, with a $25 million Environmental Facilities Corporation grant received and further grants and low-cost financing being pursued. Other capital priorities discussed included airport hangars and water service, road and bridge work, park improvements, and ADA upgrades. For the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center, officials said the revenue-based outside-vendor contract runs through 2027 and they expect to renew it rather than bid it next year; community-use rates are under discussion, with no contract dollar amount specified.