The County Executive’s Corner: Congestion Pricing Crushed by Federal Government

As we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and share how we are continuing to push forward to make Rockland County an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

One of my top priorities has always been fiscal responsibility. My administration is always searching for savings, both big and small, to offset potential financial challenges. By paying upfront for capital improvements instead of borrowing, we are saving $30 million. Our Highway Department resurfaced 14 miles of county roads while securing $2 million in state funding to cut costs. Our Public Transportation Department is purchasing two dozen new TRIPS paratransit buses using only state and federal funding—at no cost to county taxpayers.

These are just a few of the strategic moves my administration is making that led to our success story which was recently praised State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

Thanks to the hardworking people in this administration, we are doing more for our taxpayers than ever before while decreasing property taxes the second year in a row, followed by two years of ZERO county property tax increase.  

That includes providing free TOR bus service for the fifth year in a row.

It also includes our Office of Fire and Emergency Services’ HERROS program. This program provides tuition reimbursement to volunteer emergency responders. In its 3rd year we have reimbursed nearly $230,000 in college tuition. Well-deserved assistance for these men and women who put their lives on the line.

Tourism continues to be a major driver of our economy, and I am proud to share that we awarded a record-breaking $316,000 in Tourism Grant Awards. These funds help promote our local events to visitors, reducing the burden even further for taxpayers. Without tourism-generated sales and local taxes, the average Rockland household would have to pay an additional $618 per year in property taxes.

We are also making critical investments in housing. Rockland faces a shortage of 4,200 affordable units for residents earning under $60,000, including essential workers like teachers, first responders, and seniors on fixed incomes. Our Housing Action Loan Opportunity (HALO) Awards program is already making a difference, supporting projects such as 308 affordable units at the former Haverstraw Chair Factory and 52 new units for low-income seniors in Clarkstown. We are also redeveloping the Sain Building into workforce housing to help meet the growing demand.

Public safety remains a top priority. Our Sheriff’s Office is launching a Cryptocurrency Unit to investigate digital financial crimes and a Real Time Crime Center to improve emergency response times. Additionally, our Probation Department secured nearly $80,000 in restitution for 300 crime victims, and our Department of Consumer Protection recovered over $55,000 in refunds for residents who were scammed.

We are also making significant strides in public health. Our Health Department audited over 60 schools and daycares, ensuring greater compliance with vaccination requirements. Meanwhile, our Department of Mental Health, in partnership with Capabilities Partnership, is launching a program to help families secure essential services from the New York State Office for People With Disabilities.

We have achieved so much together, and I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of our county employees. But our work is far from over. I remain committed to making the necessary investments and decisions to keep Rockland moving forward. Let’s continue working together to ensure a brighter future for all.