Rockland County Legislature To Launch Budget Review Thursday

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Rockland County legislators will launch their review of the County Executive’s proposed 2022 budget on Thursday.

A public hearing on the spending plan is set for Nov. 16.

“We’re off to a good start and the good news is that there is no increase in the property tax levy included in this proposed budget,” said Legislator Michael Grant, Chairman of the Legislature’s Budget & Finance Committee. “We’re eager to see the details. The County Executive announced several initiations, including those related to economic development, and we’d like to know more about those plans.”

Grant said more information was also needed about repurposing the highway garage; capital projects at the fire training center; possible additional funding for the contract agencies and “224” nonprofit organizations that provide services to Rockland residents; and uses for the budget fund balance, sometimes referred to as a surplus.

Legislator Harriet Cornell, who, along with Legislators Grant, Phil Soskin and Aron Wieder, attended the County Executive’s budget announcement, said she wants to know more about the funding for important new open space acquisitions.

“Rockland County has been a leader in protection of open space by setting aside money to acquire appropriate parcels - everything from steep slopes and wetlands to historic sites and Hudson River access,” Cornell said. “This is not just about scenic areas: These places aid in erosion control and habitat protection. Trees and open space protect us from violent storms and other devastating acts of nature. Both the Legislature and County Executive supported my law to restart the program, but the Covid impact on finances halted it. It’s great news that finances have improved and we will be funding this very significant program.”

Legislator Grant pointed out that one of the purposes of the Legislature’s annual budget review was to dig into proposals and initiatives and said that would continue with this year’s review.

Last year, he pointed out, the legislators cut the proposed budget, resulting in a lower property tax increase. "So we’re eager to see if there is any room for improvement in this proposed budget,” Grant said. “I fully expect the review to move forward in a bipartisan manner and that we’ll be in conversation with the County Executive’s office throughout the process.”

BUDGET REVIEW INFORMATION

Note: Any changes to meeting dates will be posted on the Legislature’s webpage and social media platforms. All meetings start at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

• Thursday, Oct. 7, Budget Presentation by Rockland County Finance Commissioner Stephen Degroat.
• Thursdays, Oct. 14, 21, 28, Budget Review.
• Thursday, Nov. 4, Budget Review.
• Wednesday, Nov. 10, Budget Review with presentation by CGR, outside budget review consultants.
• Tuesday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m., full Legislature meeting and Public Hearing on Budget.
• Thursday, Nov. 18, Budget Review.
• Tuesday, Nov. 30, Budget Review, Adoption of Financial Schedules.
• Wednesday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m., Full Legislature meeting and vote to adopt budget.

KEY BUDGET DATES

• Public Hearing: Tuesday, Nov. 16
• Vote to Adopt Budget: Wednesday, Dec. 1

If the Legislature takes no action by Dec. 7, the budget is deemed adopted. If the Legislature amends the proposed budget, it goes to the County Executive for review. He has five working days after receipt of the amended version to issue any vetoes. He has line-item veto power.

The deadline to override a veto is Dec. 20 or the amended version with any vetoes becomes the budget. It takes a two-thirds vote per veto item to override a veto (Two-thirds is 12 votes).

SEE: Day Unveils Draft 2022 Budget With No Tax Hikes Or Program Cuts