New City, NY – In his annual address – delivered from the Robert L. Yeager Health Center, County Executive Ed Day outlined the achievements and future directions of Rockland County in his 2024 State of the County Address. Emphasizing the efforts and dedication of county government employees, Day highlighted the substantial progress in economic growth and the measures implemented for the county’s prosperity and fiscal stability.
Day pointed out that Rockland County has once again seen remarkable advancements over the past year, including increased support for non-profits, the continuation of waived bus fares initiated early in the pandemic, the introduction of stop-arm cameras on school buses, and a notable fiscal policy leading to zero property tax increase for two consecutive years, followed by a 2% property tax cut.
Key initiatives and accomplishments in various departments were showcased:
- Office of Fire & Emergency Services: Implementation of the HERROES & Edges College Tuition Reimbursement Program with around $130,000 awarded, alongside the acquisition of a new breathing apparatus training maze.
- Public Transportation: The procurement of two dozen new TRIPS paratransit buses to enhance mobility services.
- Health Department: Nearly 60,000 polio vaccinations administered, with a 63% increase in visits to immunization clinics in 2023 compared to 2022, marking a 140% increase from 2021.
- Veterans Service Agency: A more than 55% increase in claims assistance, securing over $4 million in benefits for veterans.
- Economic Development and Tourism Office: Distribution of $278,000 in Tourism Grants to 29 organizations, fostering local tourism and economic activity.
- Department of Social Services: Certification of 26 new foster homes, award of 194 housing vouchers to families, and an increase in Childcare assistance funding by $2 million.
- Human Rights Commission: Establishment of 3 Human Rights Satellite Offices to promote and protect the rights of county residents.
- Office for People With Disabilities: Organization of a Family Fun Day on June 23rd, featuring adaptive sports for young individuals with special needs.
- Rockland Codes Investigations Unit (RCI): Response to over 1500 complaints, issuance of 53,000 violations, and collection of $130,000 in fines.
- Office of Buildings and Codes (OBC): Conducted over 2,000 inspections, issued more than 12,000 violations, and collected $500,000 in fines.
- Consumer Protection: Investigation of 617 complaints leading to 166 prosecutions and the return of $66,000 to homeowners.
Addressing the county’s housing challenges, County Executive Day shed light on the findings from the County’s Housing Needs Assessment, which revealed a deficit of 4200 units for those earning under $60,000. Highlighting the plight of essential workers unable to afford safe housing in Rockland, the upcoming second Housing Forum on April 19th was announced as a key event. This forum aims to present the assessment findings to key stakeholders, including developers, lenders, and government agencies, to address and strategize on meeting the community and affordable housing needs in Rockland County.
“We are talking about our essential workers including teachers, first responders, retail workers, government employees, and more… all unable to afford safe housing here,”
The Rockland County Office of Community Development and Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress will present the findings of the County’s community and affordable housing needs assessment findings at the second Housing Forum on April 19th to major stakeholders including developers, lenders, DSS, HUD, and more.