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State Senator Harckham Announces $1 Million in Senate Funding for the North Rockland Central School District

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Garnerville, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that the North Rockland Central School District (NRCSD) is receiving $1 million from the Senate as part of a plan that provides additional funding for school districts experiencing significant financial hardships.

“My colleagues in the State Senate and I understand that school districts statewide need proper financial support and resources to provide the best education possible for our students,” said Harckham. “This Senate funding, in addition to the school aid given by the state to the North Rockland Central School District, will ensure that instruction and programming remain at their optimal levels while protecting local taxpayers. The Senate leadership deserves thanks for decisively acting on my request to help North Rockland.”

The Senate funding for NRCSD, which was adopted by resolution in June 2023, was part of an appropriation plan in the state’s FY2024 budget supporting schools that are experiencing extraordinary changes in taxable property valuations or significant tax liabilities because of a tax certiorari settlement or judgment.

In the case of NRCSD, the funding will help draw down the debt from a 2006 tax certiorari settlement with Mirant Corp., the owner of two power plants in the district that were judged to have been over assessed in prior years. The funding secured by Harckham will help offer taxpayers relief from the Mirant debt crisis in North Rockland, which is the largest tax certiorari in New York State history.

In the state’s FY2024 Budget, NRCSD received $84.4 million in Foundation Aid, a $17.3 million or 25.9% increase from the prior year’s budget. The district received $112.8 million in state aid, not including the $1 million in announced Senate funding.

North Rockland Central School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kris Felicello said, “This $1 million in Senate funding will go a long way in helping North Rockland pay down some of the annual debt service associated with the 2006 Mirant settlement. We appreciate the work of Senator Harckham in lessening the burden on our taxpayers.”

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Rockland County Legislators Call on Congress to Protect Medicaid Funding Amid Proposed Cuts

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Rockland County Legislators unanimously passed a resolution urging Congress to protect Medicaid funding, which is crucial for many vulnerable residents, including seniors, low-income families, and individuals with disabilities. Legislator Dana G. Stilley introduced the resolution, emphasizing that nearly 150,000 county residents rely on Medicaid for essential services. The resolution comes in response to a proposed federal budget that includes $800 billion in cuts to Medicaid. These cuts could severely impact local nonprofits that provide care for individuals with disabilities. Stilley urged action, saying that the lives of those dependent on Medicaid cannot be disregarded in budget decisions.

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Rockland Health Department Is Offering Free Rabies Shots For Cats, Dogs and Ferrets April 27th

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The Rockland County Department of Health announces free rabies vaccinations for cats, dogs, and ferrets belonging to Rockland residents on Sunday, April 27th, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at 50 Sanatorium Road, Building A in Pomona. 

To get a free rabies shot, please be sure:

  • Your dog, cat, or ferret must be healthy
  • Your pet needs to be at least 4 months of age
  • Your dog must be on a leash
  • Your cat or ferret must be on a leash or in a carrier

Appointments are required for each animal.  To make an appointment or for more information, visit http://rcklnd.us/rabiesvax or call 845-364-2656. Please check Facebook.com/rocklandgov for weather-related cancellations before arrival. The shots are free, however, a $5 donation per animal will help defray costs. Please bring exact cash or check payable to Commissioner of Finance. Please arrive 15 minutes before your pet’s scheduled appointment time.

New York State law requires that all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. Owners can be fined up to $250 if they fail to get their pets vaccinated and keep them up to date. All animal bites and animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Rockland County Health Department at (845) 364-2656.  After hours, callers should contact the Rockland Sheriff’s Office at (845) 364-8600.

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