Eric Ruscher named Orange County’s Director of Real Property Tax Services

Eric Ruscher has been named the Orange County’s Director of Real Property Tax Services.

“Eric’s experience coupled with his work ethic make him the perfect fit for this important position,” Neuhaus said. “He has distinguished himself during his previous 16 years as the Assistant Director of Real Property Services and I know that he will continue to do a wonderful job in this new role. Eric is respected and well-liked by his peers and is excited about taking the helm of this important department.”

Ruscher’s duties as Director of Real Property Tax Services will include continuing, maintaining and improving the real property tax services program, to develop equitable assessment practices, preparing and maintaining Orange County tax maps and providing advisory appraisals of moderate and complex real property. He will also be tasked with reviewing town budgets and the calculation of tax rates for the county.

In addition, Ruscher will prepare annual and special reports as required by the County Executive, the County Legislature and the New York State Office of Real Property.

Ruscher replaces John McCarey, who retired in July after serving as the Director of Real Property Tax Services for 19 years.

Prior to serving as Assistant Director of Real Property Services, Ruscher served as the Town of Woodbury’s Assessor for seven years. Ruscher, an Orange County resident for nearly 50 years, ran a successful real estate appraisal business for several years before joining the Town of Woodbury.

“I’m extremely humbled to be appointed as the Director of Real Property Tax Services by County Executive Neuhaus,” Ruscher said. “This would not be possible without his support and the hard work of my terrific staff. I look forward to serving the County taxpayers in this critical role.”

The position carries an annual salary of $112,181.