Legislature Knocks Down COVID Financial Plan, Lays Groundwork For Layoffs and Property Tax Hikes

by Monsey.info

A vote by Rockland County legislature has vetoed a plan offered by County Executive Ed Day that would save the county from layoffs and massive property tax hikes.

The county found itself in financial ruins after COVID-19 severely cut revenue and cost the county Millions.

“I am extremely disappointed by last night’s complete lack of action by the Democrat Majority members of the Rockland County Legislature,” wrote Day. “Their vote of disapproval on the financial plan we submitted now puts at risk hundreds of County employees jobs and raises the specter of a double-digit property tax increase.”

“Passage of my plan would have likely resulted in a 2021 County Budget with no layoffs and no property tax increase, but these are the dire alternatives we now face because of their vote and lack of action.”

Since March the Rockland goveernemnt has implemented austerity measures, put in place a hiring freeze, eliminated positions, filed for FEMA reimbursements and even looked for every possible way to save money within County government, totalling nearly $20 million in year over year savings.

Unfortunately, these savings fall substantially short of addressing possibly the worst financial crisis in Rockland’s history.

“I am asking that we put aside any further political posturing and work together without delay to the put the people of our County first. We are open to new ideas, alternatives, and conversation; my door is open, but time is in short supply. The time for action is now.”