Nicole Andersen

The meeting of the housing task force focused on examining housing affordability issues in Orange County and understanding the roles of various departments in providing assistance. Key discussion points included the core obligation of Social Services (DSS) to provide temporary housing assistance to eligible homeless persons, developing independent living plans, and challenges related to placement availability and duration. Different types of emergency housing were detailed, such as transitional housing, shelters, domestic violence shelters, hotel placements, and Code Blue activation during extreme cold. The funding mechanisms for housing assistance, involving federal, state, and local dollars, were reviewed, along with county reimbursement percentages. The crucial role of the Orange County Housing Resource Center (HRC) in evaluation and referral was highlighted. Specific local housing options discussed included Honor's emergency housing shelter, Newberg Ministry, Community Housing Innovations (Chai), and Project Life transitional housing. The session also covered ongoing programs like the Family Centered Case Management Program, Rental Supplement Program (RSP), and the Shelter Eviction Forstallment Program (SAFE) designed to prevent eviction. Additionally, presentations detailed the Housing First model, its effectiveness in reducing high-cost services, and the specific focus of the Safe Options Support (SOS) team beds for individuals with chronic homelessness and a mental health diagnosis. Finally, various levels of support services coordinated through the Department of Mental Health, including Family Care and Supervised Community Residence, were presented.

The committee meeting addressed several financial matters requiring acceptance and appropriation of grant funds. Key discussions included the acceptance and appropriation of $1,639,396 from the 2025 Next Generation NG 911 Grant Program to fund a comprehensive emergency call handling solution compliant with national standards. The committee also approved funds from the Aid to Prosecution program grant, totaling $1,219,416, to offset prosecutor costs, including equipment and personnel salaries. Furthermore, approval was sought for $1,751,292 from the criminal justice discovery reform grant to support expenses related to new discovery laws, including infrastructure development for digital evidence handling. The Probation Director discussed utilizing $128,200 of the discovery reform grant funds to establish a principal clerk position to manage information sharing with the District Attorney's Office. Additionally, a supplemental appropriation of $1,396 was approved for the Crime Victim Assistant Program, resulting from a one-year extension following state-level RFP issues. Finally, the committee reviewed funding for certified pre-trial services, totaling $1,159,722, noting a significant increase in pre-trial caseloads necessitates this continuous funding. The Sheriff's Department requested and received approval for a $1,500,000 supplemental appropriation to cover increased expenses in various budget lines, including medical services, food, and electrical supplies, without affecting county taxation. A $25,000 Public Safety Program grant for operating expenses was also accepted.

The session began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a performance of the national anthem by Joel Sierra's daughters. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to honoring departing legislators: James O'Donnell, Lee Benton, Joseph Manuda, Joel Sierra, and Kevin Darren Luhan. The recognitions included the presentation of proclamations and acknowledgments of their dedicated public service careers spanning various roles, such as deputy county executive, fire commissioner, and long tenure in the legislature. Discussions included commendations for their commitment to community service, housing, public safety, and other local issues.

The committee discussed and approved several supplemental appropriations for capital projects. These included improvements to the Water Plant and Building, rehabilitation of historical structures in the County Park system, maintenance facility rehabilitations and improvements at Camp LaGuardia and Winding Hills Park, restoration of the 1862 Minisink Monument, and renovations and additions to the DPW Administration Building and Goshen Garage. The committee also discussed the Harriman Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade and Expansion Project, and the purchase of 70 Hatfield Lane. A sales tax update and a budget update were also provided.

The committee meeting included a review of the County Executive's 2026 Proposed Budget, with discussions on sales tax revenues, personnel costs, and employee benefits. The budget submitted by the County Executive is $1.04 billion, which is about $53 million greater than the 2025 proposed budget. The committee discussed the use of the Fund Balance, with a motion to reduce the Tax Levy being voted down. The committee also reviewed and voted on amendments to the County Executive's proposed budget for 2026 as recommended by O'Connor Davies, LLP, and reviewed the proposed changes by Statutory Committees and Legislators as submitted, and voted.