County Executive Ed Day delivered the 2025 State of the County Address, highlighting Rockland County’s continued fiscal responsibility, infrastructure investments, and initiatives to improve the quality of life for all residents. The address, delivered to Commissioners, Department Heads, employees, elected officials, and residents, emphasized the administration’s commitment to financial stability, responsible development, and critical services.
“Our administration is always searching for savings both big and small to help offset any potential losses,” said County Executive Ed Day. “Unlike other governments that frivolously waste money and over-tax to cover costs, we focus on making strategic investments that maximize returns for Rockland’s future.”
Recent County saving measures include:
- A $30 million savings on capital improvements by paying upfront rather than borrowing.
- Resurfacing 14 miles of county roads offset by $2 million in state funding.
- Purchasing two dozen new TRIPS paratransit buses using only state and federal funding, with zero county tax dollars.
Below are some of the major highlights presented by County Executive Day:
Housing and Development:
- The Housing Action Loan Opportunity (HALO) Awards program is funding:
- 308 affordable units at the former Haverstraw Chair Factory.
- 81 affordable units in downtown Haverstraw.
- Preservation of 90 units for low-income seniors in Haverstraw.
- 52 new units for low-income seniors in Clarkstown.
- The redevelopment of the Sain Building into workforce housing continues with the support of the County Legislature.
Public Safety and Consumer Protection:
- The Probation Department secured nearly $80,000 in restitution for 300 crime victims.
- The Department of Consumer Protection recovered over $55,000 in refunds for consumers.
- The Law Department’s victory in the election law case ensures Rockland maintains its constitutional right to determine local election cycles.
- $2.5 million in additional benefits secured for veterans by the Veterans Service Agency.
- Launching a Cryptocurrency Unit and Real Time Crime Center to enhance law enforcement efforts through the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office.
Health and Human Services:
- The Department of Health audited over 60 schools and daycares, leading to increased compliance with vaccination requirements.
- The Department of Mental Health is launching a partnership with Capabilities Partnership to help families secure services from the New York State Office for People With Disabilities (OPWDD).
- The Office for People with Disabilities is hosting the second annual Accessible Family Fun Day in May, a free event featuring adaptive sports and activities for individuals with special needs.
- The Office for the Aging’s milestone 50th anniversary, with over 1,700 home-delivered meals provided to caregivers, 700+ rides, and 1,500+ hours of respite care for residents.
Environmental and Infrastructure Initiatives:
- Over 300 acres of open space preserved under the Open Space Acquisition Program.
- $10 million in ARPA grants distributed to enhance over two dozen parks, playgrounds, and community gardens.
- Every dollar of the $63 million in ARPA funds was fully allocated to Revive and Rebuild Rockland, with half going to workforce housing.
The County Executive concluded by reaffirming his commitment to Rockland’s future, “we have achieved far more than we ever imagined, but our work is far from over. I ask each of you to stand with me as we continue creating a county our families can be proud of.”
Watch the full State of the County address here.