Goshen, N.Y. - Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus today announced that the County Legislature has unanimously reappointed Darcie Miller as Orange County Commissioner of Social Services for another six-year term. The Legislature also unanimously appointed Eric Ruscher as Director of Real Property for a five-year term pursuant to State law.
“Darcie Miller has done a terrific job as Commissioner of Social Services and it is my pleasure to reappoint her to this very important position in County Government,” Neuhaus said. “Darcie is a consummate professional and cares deeply about her work and the Orange County residents that she proudly serves. Darcie is well-liked and respected by her colleagues and has done a wonderful job during her tenure with the County.”
Added Steve Brescia, Chairman of the Orange County Legislature: “Darcie is always professional, extremely knowledgeable, and very personable. She is a problem-solver and has always worked extremely well with the Legislature. I look forward to her serving another term as our Commissioner of Social Services.”
Miller has worked for Orange County since 2001. She was named Commissioner of Social Services in December of 2014. Miller was appointed Mental Health Commissioner in March 2012 after serving as the department’s Deputy Commissioner for seven years. As Commissioner, she oversees Orange County’s planning, development, and coordination of services in the fields of mental health, developmental disabilities, and chemical dependency.
During Miller’s tenure as Commissioner of Social Services, the Department has continued to efficiently provide benefits within regulatory requirements, including Family/Temporary Assistance, SNAP, HEAP, and Medicaid. Under Miller’s watch, the Social Services Special Investigations has continued to investigate benefit fraud and work collaboratively with the Sheriff’s and District Attorney’s offices to prosecute and deter fraud.
The Foster Care Unit has worked using a lean six Sigma model to develop expanded communication and intervention between child welfare, behavioral health, and the Family Court system leading to better services for children in foster care. The Adult Protective Unit has managed an increased population of vulnerable adults providing connection, support, and investigation of abuse.
“It is an honor and a privilege to continue to serve the people of Orange County as Commissioner of Social Services,” Miller said. “I am proud of the many accomplishments we have achieved on behalf of our employees and residents and I want to thank County Executive Neuhaus and the Legislature for their continued support. This would not be possible without the hard work of my terrific staff. We will continue to invest in long-term sustainable projects that positively impact the lives of Orange County residents.”
Ruscher’s duties as Director of Real Property Tax Services 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 also reviews Town budgets and the calculation of tax rates for the County. In addition, Ruscher prepares annual and special reports as required by the County Executive, the County Legislature and the New York State Office of Real Property.
He previously worked for 16 years as the Assistant Director of Real Property Services. 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. Neuhaus named Ruscher as Director of Real Property in late-October.
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.
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