Connect with us

Government

“2% County Property Tax Cut Proposed” By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

Published

1 year ago

on

I recently unveiled my proposed 2024 $870 million budget at the Robert Yeager Health Complex in New City Monday, which includes a 2% County Property Tax cut.

This proposed cut comes on the heels of zero County property tax increases two years in a row and is a huge leap from the double-digit tax increases from years past.

The reprieve is attributed to the County of Rockland recovering from a $138 million deficit in 2014 to a surplus resulting from conservative budgeting, responsible economic growth, and hard work of county employees.

Our economic turnaround is nothing short of miraculous. I thank our dedicated employees for staying true to our commitment to conservative spending which is enabling us to absorb costs while still providing reprieve for our residents in a responsible and balanced manner.

The 2024 Proposed Budget includes:

  • 2% County Property Tax Cut.
  • Increasing amounts available for patriotic observances from $1250 to $3000.
  • $1million for additional positions to strengthen our Department of Social Services, seeing increasing demand. 
  • Another $1.5 million for college tuition assistance for volunteer fire fighters and emergency medical services.
  • An additional 10% in possible funding increases to nonprofit contract agencies and 224 agencies.

We have come a long way in Rockland, but I promise you this administration will not rest nor stop trying to do everything possible for the people of this county. We will continue the prudent and protective practices that have gotten us this far and work hard to preserve our County for future generations.

Budget Timeline:

  • By October 1 – County Executive must submit Proposed Budget to County Legislature.
  • By November 20 (tentative) – County Legislature must hold a public hearing on the Proposed Budget.
  • By December 7 (tentative) – County Legislature will vote to adopt the Budget. If the Legislature takes no action by December 7, the budget is deemed adopted. If the Legislature amends the proposed budget; it goes to the County Executive for review; he has five working days after receipt of the amended version to veto. He has line-item veto power.
  • By December 20 – County Legislature must override, or the amended version with any vetoes becomes the budget. It takes a two-thirds vote per veto item to override that veto (Two-thirds is 12 votes).

 

This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Government

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II A Lifetime of Service and Pride in His Heritage

Published

5 days ago

on

March 20, 2025

By

Rockland County Legislator Paul Cleary expressed that if the ancestors of District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II could see him today, they would be incredibly proud of his dedication and achievements. Born in the Bronx and a graduate of Congers Elementary and Clarkstown High School, Walsh has committed his life to law enforcement. After earning his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law, he became a practicing lawyer in 1976. He was elected Haverstraw Village Justice in 1983 and, over the past 42 years, has served in judicial positions at the Town, County, and State levels.

Walsh takes great pride in his Irish heritage, having traveled extensively in Ireland, including visiting his grandmother Rose Devine Leonard’s cottage in Ballinagh, County Cavan, as well as touring the Irish Supreme Court. In addition to his professional work, he is an active member of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick and Division 3 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, along with several bar associations. He has also been involved with the American Red Cross in Rockland, serving on its Board of Directors.

Continue Reading

Government

Harckham’s $50,000 Grant Helps Stony Point FD Enhance Firefighter Safety

Published

2 weeks ago

on

March 15, 2025

By

New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that the Stony Point Fire District has been awarded a $50,000 state grant for the purchase and maintenance of critical firefighter turnout gear, including specialized equipment designed for combating wildfires, all of which will help ensure the safety and effectiveness of the town’s first responders.

Harckham has so far secured a total of $3.1 million in grant funding for the Town of Stony Point, North Rockland schools, libraries and non-profit organizations serving the community since the town became part of the 40th Senate District in 2022.

The grant will enable the Fire District to equip its firefighters with modern, high-quality turnout gear, which includes protective clothing such as jackets, pants, helmets, and boots. A portion of the funding is earmarked specifically for specialized wildfire gear, designed to withstand the intense heat and rugged conditions of wildland firefighting. This investment ensures that firefighters are prepared to respond to a wide range of emergencies, from structure fires to the growing threat of wildfires in the region.

“On behalf of the Stony Point Fire District, we extend our gratitude to Senator Harckham for securing this critical funding,” said Kevin Huslinger, chair of the Stony Point Fire District Board of Commissioners. “This grant will allow us to outfit our firefighters with the latest protective gear, including specialized equipment for wildfires, which is essential as we work to keep our community safe in an ever-changing environment. Senator Harckham’s support strengthens our ability to serve and protect.”

Stony Point Fire Chief Kurt Mulligan added, “With this new gear, our firefighters can face both structure fires and wildfires with the appropriate safety equipment, each of which is designed for the specific nature of those calls. It’s not just about equipment—it’s about bringing our team home safely after every call. We’re incredibly thankful for this investment in our district and fire company members.”

[Attached photo: State Sen. Pete Harckham with Robert Sullivan, vice chair of the Stony Point Fire District Board of Commissioners. Credit: Office of State Sen. Pete Harckham / James Persons]

 

Continue Reading

Trending