FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2014
Contact:  Scott Salotto (845) 638-5645

STATE COMPTROLLER COMMENTS FAVORABLY ON COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S PROPOSED 2015 BUDGET

NEW CITY, NY  --  County Executive Ed Day today announced that the Office of New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli has affirmed the County's proposed 2015 budget, citing "positive action" on deficit reduction and compliance with New York State's two-percent tax cap.

"I am humbled by the confidence placed in our budget by Comptroller Tom DiNapoli," said County Executive Day. "This is a fiscal plan based on effective and prudent management that meets the needs of our residents and demonstrates how we are 'turning the corner' financially."

The comptroller's review lauds the County for crafting a budget that complies with the state-imposed property tax levy cap, with no appropriation from the general fund balance. The proposed property tax increase of two-percent marks the first time Rockland County has not exceeded the tax cap introduced by Governor Cuomo in 2011.

According to the review of Day's $772 million fiscal plan, the County has taken aggressive steps toward reducing the prior administration's deficit of $138.5 million.  In 2012, the Legislature passed a local law to pay down this outstanding deficit by $10 million annually until the deficit is erased. Comptroller DiNapoli's analysis found the 2015 budget proposal appropriately includes an appropriation of $10 million to be applied to the outstanding deficit. "We commend County officials for taking positive action to begin reducing the remaining deficit," reads the report.

This year's review by the comptroller does not include any recommendations to the County Executive for budget revisions or corrections.  The Comptroller's Office analysis of the proposed 2014 spending plan urged corrective action by the previous administration after state auditors uncovered five critical shortcomings.

"Over the past ten months, we've worked tirelessly to reduce costs and achieve efficiencies to put into place a County Government that is far more financially stable," said Day. "With regard to the tax cap, I am pleased to present a budget that stays within the Governor's mandate.  Our property owners deserve a break from years of skyrocketing property taxes.  To attract new residents and businesses, it was time to send a message that responsible management, not higher taxes, is the mantra going forward."

In keeping with the administration's pledge of transparency, County Executive Day will host a town hall forum next week to discuss the 2015 budget process:

• Thursday, November 20 - 7 p.m. - Suffern Free Library - 210 Lafayette Avenue, Suffern

Residents of Rockland County are invited to bring any question or idea they want to discuss face-to-face with County Executive Day.  Residents may also submit questions in advance via email at Q&AEdDay@co.rockland.ny.us