# Special Meeting for Ways and Means Committee - 11/4/26 @3:30pm

At the Orange County Ways and Means Committee’s special meeting on November 4, 2026, members reviewed the County Executive’s proposed 2027 budget, approximately $1.08 billion. The presentation projected a $26.5 million increase in property-tax levy, while the countywide tax rate was expected to decrease slightly as assessed values rose. The proposed budget would use about $51.4 million in fund balance across county funds, including roughly $37.25 million from the general fund; the review also highlighted financial risks involving Valley View, sales-tax reliance, and declining reserves. No contract award or bid approval was reported. The analysis noted that the bus transportation contract expires midway through 2027 and will go through an RFP process; the budget review assumed a 10% contract increase.

The committee approved legislative amendments totaling about $1.34 million, funded primarily from fund balance. Amendments included $350,000 for 911 real-time emergency-response software and $500,000 for sheriff patrol vehicles and related fleet outfitting or lease costs; members also restored jail and sheriff overtime. Board of Elections funding included two positions and costs for existing contracts, including election-machine technology, maintenance, and accessibility services. A proposed $660,000 IT item was removed because its purpose and cost were unclear. A motion to withdraw a proposed $125,000 Water Authority education-program amendment failed; members requested more information on the program and pending grant reimbursements before potentially revisiting the item by November 12.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Information Technology, Public Safety
**Published:** November 04, 2026

### Sources
- [Special Meeting for Ways and Means Committee - 11/4/26 @3:30pm](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nho2D4QnzCQ) - Orange County New York