County Executive Day Unveils Proposed 2025 Budget with Property Tax Cut
Rockland County Executive Ed Day presented his proposed 2025 budget, totaling $876 million, at the Robert Yeager Health Complex in Pomona on Tuesday. A highlight of the proposal is a 2% reduction in county property taxes, marking a second consecutive year of tax cuts for Rockland residents.
“I am proposing a consecutive 2% County property tax cut in our 2025 budget,” said County Executive Day. “This is our way of returning money back to the people, while remaining cautious.”
Day attributed the county’s improved financial standing to disciplined budgeting and prudent financial stewardship, which allowed his administration to overcome a $138 million deficit inherited when he took office in 2014. He emphasized the importance of maintaining fiscal responsibility and targeting spending on essential services.
“While most governments raise taxes to cover expenses, the County of Rockland is different. We are operating efficiently by finding ways to offset costs,” Day added, urging the County Legislature to avoid unnecessary spending.https://www.youtube.com/embed/1s6uB4PLQ_Y?si=BstgDIqMlsB2SM3b
Key Components of the 2025 Proposed Budget:
- 2% County Property Tax Cut
- Cryptocurrency & Real Time Crime Center initiative
- Behavioral Health Training Institute and OPWDD Navigator Program
- $1.3 million allocation to the HERROES College Tuition Reimbursement Program for volunteer emergency responders
- 10% funding increase for nonprofit contract agencies and 224 other agencies
Day reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to keeping costs low and investing wisely in residents’ needs. “We are operating this administration the way government should operate… by keeping spending low, alleviating costs, and re-investing in our residents,” he said.
Legislative Responses
- Chairman Jay Hood Jr. expressed a willingness to collaborate with the County Executive to ensure the budget serves Rockland’s diverse needs, emphasizing public safety and social services.
- Budget & Finance Committee Chairman Aron Wieder announced plans for a detailed review of the budget, with a focus on analyzing revenue streams, particularly the shifting retail sector’s impact on sales tax.
- Minority Chairman Lon M. Hofstein pledged to work across the aisle to adopt the most effective plan for Rockland residents.
Budget Timeline
- By October 1: Proposed budget submitted to the County Legislature.
- By November 19 (tentative): Public hearing on the budget.
- By December 3 (tentative): Legislature vote to adopt the budget.
- By December 20: Final deadline for any legislative budget adjustments, subject to vetoes and overrides.
The proposed budget now moves to the County Legislature for review and public input, setting the stage for potential adoption in December.
