Town Supervisors Takeover Hi-Tor Operations Jan. 1st
New City, NY – On Thursday, Rockland County Executive Ed Day gave his final update on Hi-Tor Animal Care Center as operations officially transition to Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority, also known as Rockland Green, at the start of the new year.
Earlier this year Town Supervisors decided they wanted complete control and leadership over siting and constructing a new animal shelter and thus entered into a new agreement with Hi-Tor to begin that process effective January 1, 2023. That decision severs the County of Rockland’s involvement when our agreement with Hi-Tor expires December 31, 2023.
“The ultimate goal is to do something that has been a dream for way too long – to have a brand-new animal shelter; that is what the ultimate goal is here,” said County Executive Day. “I’m very hopeful that finally we’re on that road and I thank Supervisor Phillips and the Town Supervisors for their efforts to do that because its something I do want to see sooner rather than later as do many people in Rockland County.”
To preserve taxpayer dollars and the health and safety of the animals at Hi-Tor, the County of Rockland is leasing the existing facility to Solid Waste Management Authority (SWMA) for only $1 a year. The lease, which was signed at the press conference by County Executive Day and Supervisor Phillips, is for two years running through December 31, 2024, and month-to-month thereafter.
All maintenance, repairs, and alterations to the property are the responsibility of SWMA, with approval by the County.
“Now Hi-Tor will have a budget that is guaranteed, we’re talking about $1.4 million; this will enable them to concentrate on the animals and not fundraise, and fundraise, and fundraise,” said Supervisor Phillips. “We have a fixed plan for the next two years and now we can concentrate on building a new state of the art facility for the animals.”
To watch the full press conference, click here.