Rockland lawmakers unanimously adopt amended 2021 county budget

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Rockland County Office Building. MHNN file photo.

NEW CITY – The Rockland County Legislature has approved a 2021 county budget with no substantial tax increase, no layoffs, and no program cuts.

The 16-0 vote increase property taxes by less than one percent next year.

“This budget recognizes and implements the recommendations made by our independent fiscal auditor, and by extension, provides tax relief to Rockland property owners during what has become a very desperate time for many,” said County Legislator Michael Grant, chairman of the Budget & Finance Committee. 

Independent financial reviews by the legislature’s fiscal auditor, CGR, formerly known as the Center for Government Research, as well as the New York State Comptroller’s Office, agreed that the county executive’s proposed budget was balanced and reasonable. 

The Budget & Finance Committee approved an amended spending plan on Monday. The budget vote split along party lines, with the Democratic members in full support. The full legislature unanimously adopted the committee’s recommended budget. 

The legislature’s adopted budget includes reducing the amount of health insurance benefits’ expense by two percent, or $1.38 million.

County Executive Ed Day agreement to accept the amendment.

 “I’m hopeful that we will get the signed budget back promptly and we can put this budget season to rest so we will have certainty for budget year 2021,” said Legislature Chairman Alden Wolfe.

 The legislature has until December 20 to override or the amended version with any vetoes becomes the budget. It takes a two-thirds vote per veto item to override. Two-thirds is 12 votes. 




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