New City, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day has introduced a proposed $964.8 million budget for 2027 that would maintain county property taxes at their current level while increasing overall spending and continuing several county programs and initiatives. The proposal, announced October 1, is subject to review and possible changes by the Rockland County Legislature before its scheduled adoption in December.
The proposed budget represents an increase of approximately $50.6 million over the county’s adopted 2026 budget of $914.2 million, or roughly 5.5%. Despite the proposed spending increase, the administration is seeking to avoid raising county property taxes for a sixth consecutive year.
Day attributes the county’s ability to maintain its property-tax levels to improvements in its financial position, including revenue from sales taxes, government grants and tourism-related activity.
The administration has pointed to Rockland’s financial difficulties when Day took office in 2014, including a reported $138 million deficit. Since then, county officials have implemented financial measures intended to address outstanding obligations and improve long-term budget stability.
According to the administration, Rockland has eliminated its residential energy tax and automobile registration tax and fully repaid the bonds issued to address its previous deficit. Day has also stated that county property taxes have declined by approximately 4% in recent years.
The administration reports that Rockland has received the highest available credit ratings from Moody’s and Fitch. These ratings are used by financial institutions and investors to evaluate a government’s ability to meet its financial obligations and can influence borrowing costs.
The 2027 proposal includes approximately $32 million in appropriated fund balance, according to budget information discussed during the announcement. An appropriated fund balance represents money accumulated in previous fiscal years that a government plans to use toward current expenses.
Although this approach can reduce the need for additional tax revenue, the use of accumulated funds is one element legislators may examine while determining whether the spending plan is sustainable.
The budget also addresses rising expenses associated with employee healthcare, retirement contributions and services required by state government.
Day has raised concerns about possible changes to state and federal funding for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP. The administration has warned that additional financial responsibilities could place pressure on future county budgets if outside funding is reduced or program costs shift to local governments.
Alongside its general operating expenses, the county plans to continue supporting volunteer emergency responders through its HERROS tuition reimbursement program. The initiative offers eligible volunteers up to $6,000 toward college tuition expenses. County officials report that the program has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in reimbursements since its creation.
Other proposed investments involve parks, recreation and open-space preservation, including continued work associated with the 236-acre Eagle Valley Assemblage property in Sloatsburg. The county intends to pursue grant funding to help support certain preservation projects.
The administration also plans improvements to government technology and operations. These include updated cybersecurity protections, network infrastructure, purchasing procedures and automated legal department processes intended to improve administrative efficiency.
Additional county initiatives include the development of a firefighter memorial recognizing individuals who have served their communities.
A proposed freeze on county property taxes does not necessarily mean individual homeowners will see unchanged tax bills. Property taxes may also include charges imposed by school districts, towns, villages, fire districts and other local taxing authorities. Changes in property assessments and exemptions can also affect the amounts individual households owe.
The County Legislature will review the proposal and may recommend spending adjustments before the budget is finalized. Under the county’s budget calendar, a public hearing must be held no later than November 20, allowing residents to provide input on the spending plan.
Legislators are required to act on the budget by December 7. The county charter also provides procedures for executive vetoes and legislative overrides if disagreements arise over proposed changes.
The final budget will establish Rockland County’s spending and revenue plan for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2027.