NEWBURGH, N.Y. -- The City of Newburgh Fire Department may be able to temporarily keep 12 of its firefighters from getting laid off.

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus stopped by the fire department to announce the county generated about $3.7 million more sales tax revenue than was expected. More than $500,000 of that will go to the City of Newburgh. The city can decide what the money will be used for.

The fire department may have to lay off 12 of its firefighters when funding from a federal grant runs out at the end of July. If the money from the surplus tax revenue is used to fund the firefighter positions, the funding would be enough for six months.  

The city manager said he will suggest that the city council consider voting to use the extra tax revenue to fund the 12 firefighter positions at risk. Either way, a permanent solution is still needed.