GOSHEN – The Orange County Commission on Efficiency and Cost Containment has issued its report on recommended ways to save county tax dollars while preserving essential services and among its recommendations to be explored is a hotel/motel surcharge. That would bring in an estimated $3.1 million in new money.

The commission, headed by county Director of Operations Steven Gross, also recommended a freeze on non-essential equipment, which it estimates would save $500,000; travel restrictions saving $200,000; continued hiring freeze, which would save $750,000; a county-wide energy audit, reduction of lighting fixtures, a county carpool policy, enhanced electronic billing, exploring the county participation in the MEGA Utility program, and fast-tracking voice over Internet phone service, which would save the county an estimated $58,000 per year.

County Executive Edward Diana said he will weigh the recommendations of the commission.

“They are looking at revenue streams as well. If there is a way we can increase revenues.” Diana said he would look at a hotel/motel room tax. He will entertain it, but not commit to it at this time.”

In the long-term, the commission said the county should explore shared municipal inter-county services, review all county fee schedules and credit card usage fees, temporarily curtail 2009 discretionary spending, establish a county energy policy, reduce expenses at the county’s Valley View nursing home, update the county vehicle policy, conduct a thorough audit of the county’s Medicaid program, and video arraignments.

The commission recommended continuation and expansion of current programs including pursing more grants, continue all contract reviews, consolidate cellular phone plans, EBay surplus equipment, continue in-house construction by DPW, continue to consolidate leased government office space, and expand the recycling program.