Rockland County Executive Ed Day unveiled his proposed 2025 $876 million budget at the Robert Yeager Health Complex in Pomona Tuesday, which includes another 2% County Property Tax cut.
“I am proposing a consecutive 2% County property tax cut in our 2025 budget,” said County Executive Day. “This is our way returning money back to the people, while remaining cautious.”
County Executive Day highlighted the disciplined budgeting and smart financial stewardship that helped the administration dig out of $138 million deficit that he inherited when he first took office in 2014. He underscored that every single tax dollar belongs to our hardworking residents and underscored that governments have a responsibility to be cautious and direct spending at what is needed and necessary.
“While most governments raise taxes to cover any expenses the County of Rockland is different. We are operating efficiently by always finding ways to offset costs. I urge all my partners in government and our Legislature to stand with me in safeguarding the money of our residents and refrain from engaging in careless spending happening in other localities, agencies, and the state and federal government,” said County Executive Day.
The 2025 Proposed Budget includes:
- 2% County Property Tax Cut.
- Cryptocurrency & Real Time Crime Center.
- Launching a Behavioral Health Training Institute and OPWDD Navigator Program.
- $1.3 million to the HERROES College Tuition Reimbursement Program for volunteer emergency responders.
- 10% funding increase to nonprofit contract agencies and 224 agencies.
County Executive Day concluded the Budget announcement by reiterating his commitment to fiscal responsibility and refusal to put off costs or difficult decisions onto future generations.
“We are operating this administration the way government should operate… by keeping spending low, alleviating costs, and re-investing in our residents. I pledge to continue the prudent and protective practices that have gotten us this far,” concluded County Executive Day.
Responses by the County Legislature to the County of Rockland 2025 Proposed Budget include Rockland County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr.: “We look forward to working with the County Executive and his staff to make sure the 2025 county budget works for all of our residents and continues to provide the many important services they need – from public safety to social services to support for our vital nonprofit organizations.”
Rockland County Legislature Budget & Finance Committee Chairman Aron Wieder: “We plan a rigorous review of the proposed budget that will include meeting with each department head and our independent financial consultant, discussion about the implications of the changing retail sector on sales tax revenues along with all other revenue streams and expenditures.”
Rockland County Legislature Minority Chairman Lon M. Hofstein: “As outlined in the County Charter, it is the Legislature’s job to adopt an annual budget and I as well as the members of the minority look forward to working with our colleagues across the aisle in reviewing the budget presented. It is our intention that our collective efforts will be directed toward making sure we adopt the best possible plan for the people of Rockland County
Budget Timeline:
- By October 1 – County Executive must submit Proposed Budget to County Legislature.
- By November 19 (tentative) – County Legislature must hold a public hearing on the Proposed Budget.
- By December 3 (tentative) – County Legislature will vote to adopt the Budget. If the Legislature takes no action by December 7, the budget is deemed adopted. If the Legislature amends the proposed budget; it goes to the County Executive for review; he has five working days after receipt of the amended version to veto. He has line-item veto power.
- By December 20 – County Legislature must override, or the amended version with any vetoes becomes the budget. It takes a two-thirds vote per veto item to override that veto (Two-thirds is 12 votes).
View the announcement here.
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