Business

“Financial Tsunami” by Rockland County Executive Ed Day

Published

6 years ago

August 6, 2020

As we first began contemplating the shuttering of businesses and our economy back in March, I made clear that we were facing a financial tsunami. Months of reduced sales tax revenue and funding cuts from New York State have made clear that we are facing a true fiscal crisis; one that may be even more difficult than the Great Recession of 2008.

But unlike the lack of planning or concrete action in 2008 we began taking a number of actions to soften the blow as best we can now and going forward. We implemented austerity measures in March which permitted only COVID related and essential purchasing to take place. We instituted a hiring freeze in May except for essential personnel and those working directly on the COVID response.

We immediately applied for FEMA Disaster Assistance and were one of the first municipalities in the country to have our reimbursement portal for COVID related expenses up and running. We have also asked our Federal Representatives to include direct financial assistance for counties in any future federal stimulus bills.

We have closely examined every account within County Government and identified millions in funds that were not spent due to the COVID-19 pandemic; we are doing everything possible to protect your taxpayer dollars and will continue to do so.

And this week the County Legislature is expected to pass a resolution we submitted which eliminates 18 vacant and/or unfilled positions and will save us nearly a million dollars this budget year. We closely vetted the vacant positions before recommending they be eliminated to make sure critical services would be maintained.

While we are taking action and will continue to look for ways to save money, we do not have a magic wand. Last August we announced a General Fund or savings account balance of $32.2 million. It is possible that this entire account could be wiped out by the end of 2020.

But this is exactly why we have fought so hard the last 6 years to rebuild our savings. If we had not trimmed our expenses and been extremely conservative with our budgeting there is no doubt in my mind that we would be nearly bankrupt once again.

This is a challenging situation, but it is not hopeless. Within County Government we will continue to take whatever action is necessary to protect our county treasury and protect you from the double-digit property tax increases of the past. More adjustments and judicious cuts are on the horizon but just as we did a decade ago, we will get through this and come out stronger and more fiscally sound than ever before.

Business

The Mill at Sutter’s Airmont: Tuesday Wing Night Is Back

Published

5 days ago

August 12, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Mill at Sutter’s in Airmont is under new management and entering a new chapter following a full renovation of the historic location.

The property, which dates back to 1983, officially debuted under its new team in May 2026. The newly renovated restaurant is operating as a full-service sports bar, with an emphasis on food, drinks, live music and a late-night menu.

As part of the changes, The Mill at Sutter’s is bringing back Wing Night. Every Tuesday, customers can enjoy 75-cent wings all day, with a choice of sauces and a selection of cold drinks.

Wing Night is available every Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., dine-in only.

The restaurant is inviting the local community to visit the renovated space, check out the new management team and enjoy the weekly special as The Mill at Sutter’s continues its next chapter in Airmont.

With a history dating back more than four decades, a newly renovated space and plans for expanded food and entertainment options, The Mill at Sutter’s is looking to establish itself as a destination for dining, sports and nightlife in the local community.

Business

Expert Tips to Refresh Your Garden for the Rest of Summer

Published

2 weeks ago

August 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

After weeks of summer heat and frequent rain, many gardens across Rockland County, Bergen County and the Hudson Valley are beginning to show signs of stress. Fortunately, a few simple maintenance steps can help restore color and keep landscapes looking their best through late summer and into fall.

The gardening experts at Down to Earth Living Garden Center in Pomona recommend removing spent flowers to encourage new blooms, feeding flowering plants with a bloom booster fertilizer, and pruning spring-flowering shrubs that have already finished blooming.

For an instant burst of color, consider adding late-season favorites like Black-Eyed Susans, zinnias, hydrangeas and fresh hanging baskets. Gardeners are also encouraged to plant milkweed, an essential plant for monarch butterflies, and provide a shallow water source for birds, butterflies and bees during hot weather.

Containers and hanging baskets should be checked frequently, as they often require extra watering during periods of intense heat. If plants have reached the end of their flowering season, replacing them with fresh blooms can quickly brighten outdoor spaces.

With summer sales underway, it’s also a great time to update patios and backyards with discounted outdoor furniture, umbrellas, décor and statuary.

Down to Earth Living Garden Center also offers personalized gardening advice. Customers are encouraged to bring photos or inspiration for their outdoor spaces, and the center’s team can help select the right plants, containers and décor. The garden center’s expanded indoor plant showroom is open for the season, and free repotting is available with the purchase of any plant or pot.

Located at 1040 Route 45 in Pomona, N.Y. For more information, call 845-354-8500 or visit www.dteliving.com.