The Orange County Legislature on Jan. 2 approved its 2025 meeting calendar as amended, moving the July session from July 3 to July 1 and scheduling two evening meetings — May 1 and Sept. 4 — to begin at 6 p.m. The final roll call on the calendar as amended recorded 18 votes in favor and 2 opposed.

The calendar was the subject of extended debate. Minority Leader Michael Paduk argued for more night meetings to increase public participation, saying, "As always, the Democrat stands for transparency in government" and proposing three evening sessions in March, June and September. Majority Leader Lee Benton proposed changing the July date to separate it from the July 4 holiday, saying, "It's a good idea since July 4th is a Friday." After negotiations over dates and start times, members agreed to two evening sessions at 6 p.m. on May 1 and Sept. 4.

Some legislators warned that evening meetings have not consistently increased attendance in past years and raised logistical concerns including staff overtime. Legislator O'Donnell said commuters traveling from New York City would prefer a 7 p.m. start time to allow arrival after work. Legislator Luhan and others pushed for evening meetings to improve inclusion for residents who cannot attend business-hour sessions.

An earlier amendment to set evening meetings at 6 p.m. passed on an initial roll call 15-5; the calendar as amended passed on final vote 18-2. The Legislature also approved routine organizational items including the minutes of the Dec. 5, 2024 meeting and other schedule details during the same session.

The calendar resolution cited Article 2 c 1 f of the legislative manual as the procedural basis for establishing the schedule; members discussed but did not cite any external statutory constraints on meeting times.