CARMEL, NY – Standing before the largest crowd in county history for a State of the County speech, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne delivered his 2025 State of the County presentation on Monday, March 3, at the Ace Endico headquarters in Brewster. Nearly 230 attendees gathered in person, with hundreds more watching the event online. The address highlighted the County’s commitment to low taxes and responsible fiscal management, youth programming, infrastructure improvements, and innovative public services.

"Under this Administration, Putnam County continues to be a leader in cost-effective and efficient government," Byrne said. "We are delivering real, meaningful results while keeping taxes low and ensuring a high quality of life for the residents we serve."

“We were honored to host this important event and welcome the community into our new facility,” said Michael Endico, President of Ace Endico. “As a proud Putnam County business, we were excited to support County Executive Byrne and his administration in sharing their vision for the county’s future.”

Byrne highlighted his administration’s dedication to tax relief by previously slashing Putnam County’s property tax rate to its lowest level in 18 years and continued investment in the $7.5 million Property Tax Stabilization Fund to ensure financial security. Looking ahead, Byrne announced his desire to make the sales-tax exemption on clothing and shoes under $110 permanent, and announced that the largest property-tax cut in Putnam County history would be included in his next budget proposal. The tax cut received the support of 72% of respondents in a recent poll conducted by the county executive’s office.

Byrne spotlighted the success of Putnam County’s first-of-its-kind Youth Business Market and announced that the next event is set for June 8, with registration now open. He also revealed plans to relocate the Youth Bureau to Tilly Foster Farm, an educational hub that aligns with the County’s commitment to youth development.

In a major announcement, Byrne introduced the County’s plan to establish a ThinkDIFFERENTLY pre-K education campus in partnership with Community Based Services (CBS) at InterArts in Patterson. This initiative aims to reduce transportation times for preschoolers with special needs while saving taxpayer dollars and improving educational outcomes.

"We believe in an inclusive early-learning environment that meets the needs of every child, right here in our community," Byrne said. "CBS has been an outstanding partner in this effort, and I’m thrilled to see this vision come to life."

Continuing with the theme of youth programming, Byrne’s speech included a renewed commitment to securing funding for renovations at Camp Herrlich’s Schweiger Hall. Byrne reaffirmed his administration’s support for this critical county-owned facility, which provides invaluable childcare services and was a key resource for first responders and essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It’s past time we honored our obligation and did more to support Camp Herrlich’s continued mission," Byrne said. "This project will be included in next year’s capital plan, and I look forward to working with the Legislature to make it a reality."

Byrne also announced Putnam On-Demand, a new app-based ride service launching as a pilot program in Patterson, Southeast, and Carmel. The service will provide affordable, door-to-door transportation six days a week, improving public transit accessibility for residents. The program is expected to begin soon.

Public safety was another key focus of the evening, with Byrne celebrating the upcoming opening of the Lt. Michael Neuner Fire and EMS Training Center later this summer. Named after a dedicated Brewster firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty, the new state-of-the-art facility will provide essential training for emergency responders. Byrne credited the county’s DPW crews, contractors, partners at Draeger, Bureau of Emergency Services staff, and Senator Pete Harckham for their roles in making the project a reality. He also took a moment to personally thank Commissioner Bob Lipton, who will be retiring at the end of the 2025 after years of dedicated service to the county.

Volunteer first responders were also recognized for their vital role in public safety. Byrne announced plans to work with the Legislature to expand the county’s existing property-tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, ensuring that all those who volunteer their time and put their lives on the line working within Putnam County’s borders receive the benefits they deserve.

The 2025 State of the County address reaffirmed Putnam County’s commitment to affordability, accountability, and accessibility, while adding a new letter A: “active.” Byrne concluded, "We are always striving to do better—because the people of Putnam County deserve nothing less."

For more information and updates, visit PutnamCountyNY.gov.