Rockland Executive Day offers $876M budget plan that would drop property taxes by 2%

RAMAPO ‒ Rockland property owners would receive a 2% decrease in their county taxes under a $876 million budget proposed Tuesday for 2025.

The average Rockland property owner would pay between $1,400 and $1,600 in county property taxes, depending on the assessed value of their property, under County Executive Ed Day's budget blueprint, according to county officials. County taxes are the lowest for property owners, compared to town, village and school taxes.

The property tax decrease would follow a similar reduction in 2024 after two years of no tax increases.

Day said conservative spending with the Legislature has allowed the government to maintain services and overcome tough fiscal times ‒ from the COVID pandemic to the inflation that followed. He also noted the county had lost $11 million in a $27 million tax settlement involving the Palisades Center in West Nyack.

He said the county paid off a $138 million deficit since he took office in 2015. The payoff included a $96 million bond, with the last $13.1 million payment coming in 2024.

Rockland fund balance would not be tapped

The county's fund balance of accumulated tax dollars, topping $300 million as of a 2023 audit, acts as insurance against emergencies. No money was drawn from the account for the budget plan, Day said.

Rockland budgets are supported by property and sales taxes, aside from millions in government grants and fees. Day's proposed 2025 budget projects $287 million in sales tax. Rockland's sales tax revenues ended 2024 projected at $286.9 million, up from a budgeted $285.2 million. He's budgeting $125.500 million in property taxes, a decrease of $2.654 million from 2024.

"Despite all these fiscal challenges, our commitment to conservative spending is enabling us to absorb those costs while still providing a reprieve for our residents," Day said while unveiling the spending proposal at the Robert Yeager Health Complex.

The spending plan would maintain the county workforce and social and law enforcement programs. Day praised the county workforce and the Legislature for their roles in the county's fiscal health.

"I am so proud that our finances are the best they have ever been in Rockland's history," Day said. "We continue to be one of the fiscally strongest counties in New York and our bond credit ratings are tied for the top tier, an achievement only six other counties share."

Legislature Chairman Jay Hood, D-Haverstraw, said the Legislature would work with Day 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.”

Highlights from Day's budget proposal for Rockland County

∎ American Rescue Plan funding would save local tax dollars by addressing housing hurdles Rockland is facing. This new Housing Action Loan Opportunity program and funding was approved by the Legislature using $13.5 million in ARPA funds. This new program will provide direct loans to borrowers to create workforce housing. Loan repayments will continue to create housing opportunities indefinitely.

∎ There's $1.3 million more for the HERROS college tuition program for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services. This program reimburses volunteers up to $6,000 in college tuition. More than 100 volunteers have been reimbursed over $200,000. The county is also financing a new memorial for firefighters.

∎ The county Department of Mental Health is launching a Behavioral Health Training Institute in 2025 to provide education on behavioral health disorders, treatment and more to the community and providers. The department also is creating a program to help families that include someone with special needs to navigate the required testing and paperwork to secure benefits.

∎ The budget includes a 10% increase in funding for nonprofit contract agencies that assist lower-income residents with health and social needs.

∎ It includes $2 million in grants to small businesses and restaurants.

∎ It includes $4 million for the purchase of 308 acres for preservation, using $11 million from the county's capital fund.

∎ It includes a Real Crime Center for the Sheriff's Office and a cryptocurrency unit.

The Rockland Legislature will review Day's plan and is scheduled to vote to adopt a budget on Dec. 3. If the Legislature amends Day's proposal, he gets five working days to review the changes, which he can veto line by line. The Democrats, though, hold a 12-5 majority and can override any vetoes.

Legislator Lon Hofstein, R-Clarkstown, the minority leader, said he expects lawmakers will interview department heads and fiscal staff and hold hearings on the budget before adopting a plan.

"There is no question we will work in a bi-partisan way to adopt a budget and work with the administration," Hofstein said. "The tax decrease is a wonderful gift to the people of Rockland County who have supported us during difficult times."

Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police, and investigations. Reach him at slieberm@lohud.com Twitter: @lohudlegal

Read more articles and bio . Our local coverage is only possible with support from our readers.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Rockland Executive Day offers $876M budget plan that would drop property taxes by 2%