FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2020

Statement from County Executive Ed Day

I am extremely disappointed by last night's complete lack of action by the Democratic Majority members of the Rockland County Legislature. Their vote of disapproval on the financial plan we submitted now puts at risk hundreds of County employees jobs and raises the specter of a double-digit property tax increase. Passage of my plan would have likely resulted in a 2021 County Budget with no layoffs and no property tax increase, but these are the dire alternatives we now face because of their vote and lack of action.

When I met with Legislative leadership more than 4 weeks ago, I explained the criticality and timeliness of these issues and hoped that they would bring any questions, comments or concerns about these proposals to my administration before their most recent meeting. While no one from the Democratic Legislative Majority did so, I am committed to working with them to address their questions and once again explain the need for these measures.

Since March we have implemented austerity measures, put in place a hiring freeze, eliminated positions, filed for FEMA reimbursements and have looked for every possible way to save money within County government; with a total of nearly $20 million in year over year savings through these actions, which we will continue.

Unfortunately, these savings fall substantially short of addressing possibly the worst financial crisis in Rockland's history. I am asking that we put aside any further political posturing and work together without delay to the put the people of our County first. We are open to new ideas, alternatives, and conversation; my door is open, but time is in short supply. The time for action is now.

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