Government

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

Published

3 years ago

September 29, 2023

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.”

Government

Rockland County Urges Water Conservation as Climate Change Impacts Supply

Published

6 days ago

April 19, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

NEW CITY, NY — The Rockland County Task Force on Water Resources Management is encouraging residents to learn how climate change is affecting water availability and what steps they can take to protect the county’s supply.

Experts say climate change is increasingly being viewed as a water crisis, as rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns lead to stronger storms, flooding, and drought. Although water covers much of the planet, less than one percent of freshwater is readily available for human use, making conservation critical.

Rockland County depends entirely on local surface and groundwater sources to serve homes, schools, businesses, and healthcare facilities. As the population grows and climate conditions evolve, officials say responsible water use is essential to maintaining a stable supply.

“Protecting our water supply is essential to the long-term health and economic stability of Rockland County,” said Ed Day. “Education and conservation are key tools that help ensure our water resources remain reliable for future generations.”

💧 Simple Ways to Conserve Water

Residents can make a meaningful impact with small, everyday actions:

Fix household leaks promptly
Take shorter showers
Turn off the tap while brushing teeth
Use water-efficient appliances
Plant native or drought-tolerant landscaping
Water lawns and gardens efficiently

Reducing water use also lowers energy consumption, since energy is required to pump, treat, and heat water—helping cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Officials encourage residents to follow the task force online for updates, resources, and conservation tips. More information is available through the county’s water conservation program.

Government

Rockland County Offers Free Mosquito Dunks and Minnows to Fight Summer Mosquitoes

Published

6 days ago

April 19, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) is giving residents two free tools to fight mosquitoes:

1. Mosquito Dunks®

Donut-shaped tablets placed in standing water
Kill mosquito larvae before they become biting adults
Safe for use in:
- Unused/covered pools
- Hot tubs
- Other stagnant water containers

2. Fathead minnows

Small fish that eat mosquito larvae (up to ~200 per day each)
Good for:
- Unused pools
- Ornamental ponds
- Water sources with at least 8 inches of water