Legislators Unanimously Approve 2025 County Budget With 2% County Property Tax Cut

Adopted Budget Adds Nonprofit Funding & Sidewalk Project For Pedestrian Safety

Rockland County legislators voted unanimously to slightly amend and approve a 2025 County Budget that includes a 2 percent property tax cut along with increased funding for nonprofits and a new countywide sidewalk initiative.

“I am extremely honored to report that for 2025, there will be a 2 percent county property tax reduction,” Rockland County Budget & Finance Committee Chairman Legislator Aron Wieder said. “This means our hardworking taxpayers will keep more of what they earn in their wallets. Cutting taxes is never easy, but for the second consecutive year we are doing just that while also preserving vital services and adding new programs.”

County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. said, “I said last year that I was hopeful we would be able to have more tax cuts in the future and we are delivering on that effort with this budget. This continues our commitment to delivering the vital services our residents rely on while also making sure the budget is as efficient as possible. I thank everyone who aided this year’s effort.”

County Executive Ed Day plans to immediately review the 2025 Amended Adopted Budget and stated, “I want to thank the County Legislature for passing this budget, which reflects our shared commitment to fiscal responsibility and delivering vital services to our residents. This budget ensures we can continue to invest in the safety, health, and quality of life of everyone in Rockland County.”

Majority Leader Alden H. Wolfe said, “It is rare that any municipality is able to reduce taxes while maintaining jobs and vital services, but through diligent work and focused efforts, the County has been able to do just that. A second consecutive tax cut is both humbling and gratifying and I am thankful that we have been able to accomplish this goal on behalf of county taxpayers.”

County Legislature Minority Leader Lon Hofstein said, “The citizens of Rockland County rely on the members of the legislature to make decisions that are in the best interest of the county. We feel the 2025 budget presented to the County Executive for his approval is fiscally sound, realistic and will enable the county to make Rockland a better place for residents to raise their families.”

The County Executive’s 2025 Proposed County Budget is only $6 million more than this year’s budget – for a total of $876 million. It includes a 2 percent County Property Tax Reduction, no layoffs or service cuts and increased funding for nonprofit contract agencies, among other highlights.

The Rockland County Legislature’s Budget & Finance Committee, which conducted the review of the proposed budget, recommended only minor adjustments to the plan, including additional funding for nonprofits. This is due to the increased funding needs of nonprofits serving residents, who in turn are experiencing increased needs for services.

The Budget & Finance Committee also recommended adding a $30 million capital project to install sidewalks in every legislative district in Rockland in a necessary effort to improve pedestrian safety.

Both recommendations were included in the 2025 Amended Adopted County Budget.

What’s Next: The County Executive has five working days after receipt of the amended adopted version to issue any vetoes. He has line-item veto power. The Legislature has until Dec. 20 to override any vetoes. It takes a two-thirds vote per veto item to override a veto (Two-thirds is 12 votes).