FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2020

County Executive Day Vetoes Several Legislative Budget Amendments

New City, NY, - County Executive Ed Day used his line-item veto power to veto several changes made to his 2021 Proposed County Budget by the County Legislature including:

• The addition of two contract agencies and the amendment to their funding source.
• The additional funding of $68,730 for the position Special Assistant to Water Management Task Force and its funding source.
• The amendments pertaining to the establishment of new positions as well as the reallocation of several positions, in the County Legislature.

“I am not vetoing the amendments adjusting the health insurance expense and sales tax revenue,” wrote County Executive Day is his veto message. “I have concerns on how these Legislative Amendments were calculated and distributed. However, despite poor accounting by the Legislative Majority, we arrive at the same goal and will bring the people of Rockland a reduction in the proposed real property tax levy.”

The lower than estimated increase in New York State’s Empire Plan health insurance rates have provided unexpected savings for taxpayers. Due to these lower-than-expected rates the increase in property taxes for the average Rockland taxpayer will decrease from roughly $3 a month to $1 a month.

The amendment funding the Special Assistant to Water Management Task Force position would have reduced the Department of Health’s Relief Account.

County Executive Day wrote, “Reducing this account is reckless as this department is on the front line combatting the COVID-19 Pandemic, and especially with vaccinations coming out. Also, there were no conversations by the Legislature with the Commissioner of Health as to the impact this would have on the delivery of vital and needed services. In fact, the assessment from the Commissioner of Health was that ‘this would be devastating to the Department of Health.’”

No later than December 20, 2020, the Legislature can override any Executive veto with a two-thirds majority vote (12 votes). If the Legislature takes no action, the Budget is deemed adopted.

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The County Executive’s full veto message is available upon request.

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