Bright Budget Ahead

Without question we have come far. In 2014 we faced a $138 million budget deficit that I inherited when first taking office which nearly brought about the fiscal collapse of county government. By the end of 2020, we had completely reversed our fortunes building a $92 million fund balance or surplus in our general fund.

Looking back on what we’ve accomplished these last 8 years is nothing short of miraculous and thank goodness we did because these last few years have been difficult for families and our County Budget.

In 2020, the COVID pandemic hit, bringing with it devastating health and economic consequences. This year, families still recovering from the financial fallout of the pandemic are now coping with 40-year high inflation and sky-rocketing gas prices.

That is why this administration, along with the County Legislature, recently eliminated the residential energy tax saving taxpayers roughly $11-million dollars a year, equivalent to an 8.4% property tax reduction. The other plus, this tax cut benefits all residents, including renters.

We capped the county’s sales tax on motor fuel purchases at $2 through February of 2023, saving drivers roughly $5 for a 20-gallon fill-up.

My administration is introducing legislation to opt into New York State’s new bill increasing income eligibility for seniors 65 and older. The bill will increase income eligibility from $29,000 to $50,000. This legislation will help reduce their share of the county’s property tax in 2024. Other municipalities may also opt in which would also benefit seniors.

My proposed budget for 2023 will build on those efforts, bringing further reprieve to residents from this costly economic climate, in a responsible and balanced manner.

The highlights from my 2023 Proposed $812.4 million County Budget does not include a property tax increase. That’s right, the County of Rockland Budget calls for NO INCREASE to your property taxes.

This proposed budget also has no layoffs or program cuts. All thanks to our years of conservative spending and budgeting, maximizing every single tax dollar spent by this County.

What it does include is a $1.5 million college tuition assistance program for volunteer fire fighters and emergency responders. This will provide heroes choosing to put their lives on the line with $6,000 towards their college tuition for their service to the County.

I promise you this administration will continue to do everything possible for the people of this County to preserve Rockland for future generations. Watch my full budget announcement on the Rockland County Youtube Channel.

Budget Timeline:

·      By October 1 – County Executive must submit Proposed Budget to County Legislature.

·   By November 15 (tentative) – County Legislature must hold a public hearing on the Proposed Budget.

·  By December 1 (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).