Day Announces Proposed 2026 Budget

County Executive Ed Day has unveiled his proposed 2026 $913.8 million budget, which includes zero County Property Tax increase.

“As we began this year’s budget process it was my intent to once again cut your taxes. We have cut them by 4% over the past two years, but unfortunately, we are facing increasing costs and great uncertainty about future State and Federal funding and reimbursements,” said Day. “This is our way of still giving money back to the people, while continuing to act with caution and responsibility.”

Other budget highlights include:

Supporting Volunteers: The Rockland County Firefighter Memorial is nearly complete, honoring those who serve. The County is also adding another $1 million to the HERROS program, which provides up to $6,000 in college tuition reimbursement to emergency volunteers. Since inception, HERROS has reimbursed nearly $400,000 to volunteer emergency responders.

Strengthening Our Workforce: The County is continuing to invest in recruitment and training. Programs like Emerging Leaders help employees grow into leadership roles, ensuring the County has the talent it needs for the future.

Saving Taxpayer Dollars: Our Purchasing Division has saved $2 million over the past two years by negotiating tough but fair deals with contractors.

County Executive Day again highlighted the disciplined budgeting and financial stewardship that dug the administration out of $138 million deficit that he inherited when he first took office in 2014. He also underscored that every single tax dollar belongs to our hardworking residents and that governments have a responsibility to be cautious and direct spending at what is necessary. 

“I urge our Legislature to stand with me in safeguarding the money of our residents and refrain from engaging in careless spending happening in other localities, agencies, and the state and federal government,” said County Executive Day.

Budget Timeline:

By October 1 – County Executive must submit Proposed Budget to County Legislature.

By November 20 – County Legislature must hold a public hearing on the Proposed Budget.

By December 7 – County Legislature must adopt the Budget. If the Legislature takes no action by December 7, the budget is deemed adopted. If the Legislature amends the proposed budget; it goes to the County Executive for review; he has five working days after receipt of the amended version to approve or veto.

By December 20 – The County Legislature can override any Executive veto with a 2/3 majority vote. If the Legislature takes no action on his vetoes, then the budget is deemed adopted with his vetoes.

  2026 Budget, budget, day, ed day, Rockland