Rockland County Gov.: County Executive Submits 2022 Proposed Budget - No Increase To County Property Taxes

Press release from the County of Rockland:

October 1, 2021

New City, NY,

County Executive Day detailed many of the challenges Rockland has faced since 2014 including a $138 million budget deficit he inherited when first taking office, a nearly year-long measles outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Through it all we have fought, we have sometimes struggled, and we have over and over again made the hard choices. Our dedicated and hardworking employees have made do with less. But we have found new and innovative ways to get the job done despite these hurdles. We have done the work, and it is paying off as we turn the corner and move forward with Rockland’s renaissance,” said County Executive Day.

said County Executive Day.

The County of Rockland has recovered from a $138 million deficit in 2014 to a $92 million fund balance or surplus at the end of 2020. The County Executive credited conservative budgeting, responsible economic growth and the hard work, insight and creativity of county employees for this incredible turnaround.

“When the pandemic struck, we acted immediately. Our Department Heads, including the elected offices of the Sheriff, the District Attorney and the County Clerk took action to mitigate the financial impacts by implementing austerity measures, instituting a hiring freeze, applying for FEMA Disaster Assistance, and reducing our Capital Borrowing. This was a whole government approach, and in a bi-partisan fashion, Rockland closed ranks to protect our residents, our businesses, and your tax dollars,” said County Executive Day.

said County Executive Day.

These protective actions coupled with a rebounding economy in 2020 resulted in County government underspending by $65 million and adding an additional $25 million to fund balance or surplus despite a $40 million decrease in revenues.

The 2022 Proposed Budget includes:

County Executive Day concluded the Budget announcement by reiterating his commitment to fiscal responsibility and refusal to put off costs or difficult decisions onto future generations.

concluded County Executive Day. Budget Timeline: ### The announcement can be viewed in its entirety here: Photos of the announcement are also available upon request. Follow us on Twitter: @rocklandgov

This press release was produced by the County of Rockland. The views expressed here are the author’s own.