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

Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds Return to Hudson Valley: How to Attract Them

Published

5 days ago

April 19, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Ruby-throated hummingbird are arriving across the Northeast, including the Hudson Valley, as part of their annual spring migration from Central America and southern Mexico. Early arrivals begin in mid-to-late April, with populations typically established in Rockland and Bergen counties by late May. Males arrive first to claim feeding territories.

Homeowners can attract hummingbirds by planting nectar-rich, native flowers such as bee balm, columbine, cardinal flower, coral bells, salvia, trumpet vine, and jewelweed. Bright, tubular blooms in red, orange, and pink are especially effective.

Local garden center Down to Earth Living recommends additional steps like using a simple sugar-water feeder (1:4 ratio, no dye), providing shrubs for shelter, adding a water source, and avoiding pesticides.

Beyond their beauty, hummingbirds help pollinate plants, control insects, and support biodiversity. Creating a welcoming habitat can sustain them through their breeding season, which lasts from spring into early fall.

Gardeners can find hummingbird-friendly plants and supplies at Down to Earth Living, which is also offering free repotting with plant or pot purchases this spring.

Business

Down to Earth Living Highlights Benefits of Indoor Plants for Health and Air Quality

Published

4 weeks ago

March 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Indoor plants have become a popular addition to homes and workplaces, valued not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their wide-ranging health benefits. From improving air quality to enhancing mental well-being, these natural elements can transform indoor environments.

Benefits of Indoor Plants

Improved Air Quality
Plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis. Research, including NASA’s Clean Air Study, has shown that certain plants—such as spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants—can help remove indoor pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.

Enhanced Mental Health and Productivity
Studies published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology indicate that interacting with plants can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Additional research in Environmental Psychology found that workplaces with plants experienced up to a 15 percent increase in productivity.

Aesthetic Appeal
Indoor plants enhance interior spaces by softening architectural lines and adding natural beauty. Popular varieties like fiddle-leaf figs, pothos, and succulents complement a wide range of décor styles. The National Gardening Association reports that visual appeal is one of the primary reasons people incorporate plants into their homes.

Physical Health Benefits
Plants can increase indoor humidity, potentially reducing issues caused by dry air such as sore throats, coughs, and dry skin. They may also help absorb sound, contributing to quieter indoor environments.

Ease of Care
Many indoor plants are low-maintenance and adaptable to different lighting conditions. Hardy options such as pothos, ZZ plants, and succulents make it easy for beginners to enjoy the benefits of greenery.

Indoor plants do more than enhance décor—they contribute to cleaner air, improved well-being, and a more vibrant living or working space.

Down to Earth Living’s expanded indoor plant showroom is now open for the spring season, offering a wide variety of plants. Customers can also take advantage of a complimentary repotting service with the purchase of a pot.