Lawmakers Laud Alternative Funding Resolution for Nonprofits

From the Rockland County Legislature

Thanks to the hard work of some Rockland County Legislators, more than 30 nonprofit Public Benefit Organizations will receive the funding they need to carry out their vital work.

The County Executive failed to act on a funding resolution adopted by the Legislature on Dec. 28. He had until today to veto the measure, take no action or approve it. He sent it back – unsigned - to the Legislature today.

That means the approximate $675,000 in alternative funding identified by the Legislature will allow more than 30 organizations to carry on with their work. It’s only about half of what they need for the year, but the alternative funding helps buy time to identify further funding solutions for the remainder of 2017.

The funding mainly comes from two contingency accounts that held unspent money budgeted for 2016.

“These agencies are an economic engine for Rockland – not only attracting visitors from out of the county, but also employing about 9,000 workers locally,” Legislator Harriet Cornell (D-West Nyack) said. “Their volunteers provide thousands of hours of ‘free’ work and these organizations provide services at a cost the county could never match.”

Rockland County Legislature Chairman Toney L. Earl (D-Hillcrest) was also happy to see the funding will be provided, but he warned against tying the sale of real property to ongoing support of the nonprofit organizations.

“The Legislature worked very hard to identify alternative funding,” Earl said. “Whether the Sain building is sold or not, it should not impact the funding support. The agencies shouldn’t be used as pawns - sell the Sain or we cut off all money to the organizations. That just doesn’t work.”

Legislator Ilan Schoenberger (D-Wesley Hills) said the two issues were separate and needed to be addressed in such a way.

“It is immoral and unethical to link these two in any way,” Schoenberger said. “Either these agencies provide services that Rockland residents need and deserve or they don’t. If they don’t, they don’t deserve funding. If they do, they must be funded. I believe they should be funded.

“The Sain building must rise or fall on its own merits, as well,” Schoenberger said. “The County Executive promised to give us information, but still hasn’t provided it.”