Orange County Legislature approves year‑end bond and appropriation package, including $5 million arboretum bond and sewer plant expansion

The Orange County Legislature on Thursday approved a package of year‑end resolutions that included a $5 million bond authorization for an Arboretum Event Center, funding for a Neuburg garage replacement, and steps toward expanding the Harriman wastewater treatment plant.

Legislators assumed lead‑agency status under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and classified the Arboretum Event Center project in Hamptonburgh as an unlisted action, determining it will not have significant adverse environmental impacts. The body then approved a bond resolution that the legislature estimated at $5,000,000 to finance the project; the roll calls on the arboretum measures recorded 19 ayes.

"I think this is a fantastic opportunity for the County to showcase the arboretum," said Legislator Sasse during discussion, calling the project consistent with county park planning and the creation of a parks coordinator position.

A separate package authorized construction of a Neuburg garage replacement in New Windsor, with the legislature citing an estimated total cost of $4,500,000 and reading bond‑issuance language into the record. That measure also passed on a 19‑0 roll call.

Lawmakers approved a supplemental appropriation to complete construction of the county's new medical examiner’s facility. Legislator Tuohy, who praised the building and staff at the ribbon cutting, said the facility restored dignity after years of temporary arrangements. "The county has restored dignity in this very, very sensitive time for loved ones," Tuohy said on the floor.

On infrastructure, the legislature directed the Orange County Department of Public Works to prepare an application to the New York State Comptroller seeking consent to expend funds to expand the Harriman Wastewater Treatment Plant from 6 million gallons per day to 9 mgd and to increase lower‑main collection capacity. Legislator Totell emphasized that the resolution is a step in the process and does not fix the final cost: "This does not necessarily mean that this is the final cost... we are still applying for grants," Totell said, and the body noted funding will come from sewer‑district users rather than the county's general fund.

The meeting included multiple routine tax and budget actions: resolutions levying unpaid sewer and water rents, confirming budget apportionments, approving town levies under Town Law Article 8, directing tax roll extensions under Real Property Tax Law Section 900, and approving completed tax rolls under Section 904. Several grant acceptances were approved, including state public‑health grants and funding tied to criminal justice discovery reform and homeland security programs.

Votes at a glance - Arboretum Event Center (SEQRA determination and bond): approved; roll call 19 ayes. - Neuburg garage replacement (SEQRA and bond): approved; roll call 19 ayes; transcript lists estimated cost $4,500,000. - Harriman Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion (6 mgd → 9 mgd): directed DPW to seek Comptroller consent and proceed with applications; roll call 19 ayes. - Medical examiner facility appropriation: approved; roll call 19 ayes. - Multiple budget, tax and grant resolutions (items 1–15, 21–28): approved by voice vote or roll call as recorded; where recorded, roll calls were 19 ayes.

Why it matters: The measures authorize borrowing for park and facilities projects and formalize a path to increase sewer capacity—changes that carry multi‑year budget and rate implications. Legislators repeatedly noted that some costs remain estimates and that further grant or low‑interest loan awards could reduce the amount borne by sewer‑district users.

The legislature ended the session with a year‑in‑review from the chair—highlighting the Heritage Trail extension, redistricting adopted for implementation in 2026, and other 2024 accomplishments—and adjourned with holiday greetings.