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

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2 years ago

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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 Department of Consumer Protection is Warning Residents About a Resurfacing Scam

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1 day ago

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March 31, 2025

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Recent reports from local businesses and residents indicate that scammers are posing as legitimate contracting companies, falsely claiming urgent structural issues to convince homeowners to sign expensive contracts for unnecessary repairs.

In one instance, scammers impersonated a reputable roofing company, Gikas Roofing, and tricked a homeowner into signing a $78,000 contract for fraudulent roof repairs. A similar case involved an elderly woman who paid $60,000 for a roof replacement she didn’t need—only for the scammers to disappear after causing damage to her home.

“These types of scams follow a familiar pattern, with unlicensed contractors using scare tactics to rush homeowners into making costly decisions,” said Rockland County Consumer Protection Director Kimberly Von Ronn. “Our department successfully impounded a vehicle and is working closely with the company being impersonated, along with Orangetown Building and Police Departments, but we urge families to be vigilant.”

Always remember to:

  • Ask for proof of a Rockland County license and insurance. A New Jersey license does not qualify in Rockland County.
  • Do not make immediate decisions under pressure. Take time to research and compare contractors.
  • Never pay in full upfront. Legitimate contractors will provide a written contract and schedule reasonable payments.
  • If approached by an unsolicited contractor, contact Rockland County Consumer Protection immediately.

If you suspect a scam, contact the Rockland County Department of Consumer Protection at [email protected] or 845-364-3901.

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Government

Rockland County Honors Marine Corps Veteran Elizabeth Rubio with 2025 Freedom Award

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6 days ago

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March 26, 2025

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County Executive Ed Day and Director Susan Branam of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency recognized a female veteran with the Freedom Award Monday, an annual County honor made to female veterans for outstanding service to our nation.

“Acknowledging those who have worked and sacrificed to protect the freedoms we enjoy is crucial, particularly women whose contributions to building and protecting our country have long been overlooked.” said County Executive Ed Day.

The 2025 Freedom Award was presented to Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Veteran Elizabeth “Lisa” Rubio. Rubio, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, served honorably from 2011 to 2019, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Throughout her career, she held key roles across multiple commands, including Marine Corps Recruiting Command and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. A dedicated leader, she supported multinational training exercises, mentored recruits, and earned multiple commendations, including two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.

After her military service, Lisa continued her commitment to others as a Veterans Service Officer in the County of Rockland, securing $12 million in benefits for local veterans and surviving spouses. Now pursuing a law degree, she remains devoted to advocacy and service.

“I am so proud to present this award to Lisa who not only has been a trailblazer as a female Marine, but a dedicated Veteran Service Officer, and now is completing her first year in law school. I have no doubt that she will continue to do well and serve as an inspiration to future generations,” said Veterans Service Agency Director, Susan Branam.

“We thank Lisa for her bravery and continued commitment to our residents. We are proud to list your name among the women recipients of the Rockland County Freedom Award in years past,” concluded County Executive Ed Day.

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