Day Outlined Fiscal Responsibility and Growth Initiatives, Cited Challenges and Plans for Residential Housing Strategy
Pomona, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day delivered his 2025 State of the County Address at the Rockland County Fire Training Center today, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, infrastructure development, and community investments. Addressing a gathering of commissioners, department heads, employees, elected officials, and residents, Day highlighted strategic financial decisions that have strengthened Rockland’s economic outlook and improved essential services.
Fiscal Responsibility and Infrastructure Investments
Day showcased key county savings measures:
- A $30 million savings on capital improvements by paying upfront rather than borrowing.
- 14 miles of county roads resurfaced, aided by $2 million in state funding.
- Two dozen new TRIPS paratransit buses purchased using only state and federal funds, with no county tax dollars.
“Our administration is always searching for savings both big and small to help offset any potential losses,” said Day. “Unlike other governments that frivolously waste money and over-tax to cover costs, we focus on making strategic investments that maximize returns for Rockland’s future.”
Housing and Development
Addressing the county’s housing crisis, the Housing Action Loan Opportunity (HALO) Awards program has been instrumental in supporting workforce and affordable housing. Funded projects include:
- 308 affordable units at the former Haverstraw Chair Factory.
- 81 affordable units in downtown Haverstraw.
- 90 units preserved for low-income seniors in Haverstraw.
- 52 new units for low-income seniors in Clarkstown.
- The redevelopment of the Sain Building into workforce housing, backed by the County Legislature.
“We are making real progress in tackling the housing crisis,” Day noted, urging continued support from legislators and the community.
Public Safety and Consumer Protection
Rockland County continues to prioritize public safety, securing:
- Nearly $80,000 in restitution for 300 crime victims through the Probation Department.
- Over $55,000 in refunds for consumers, recovered by the Department of Consumer Protection.
- A landmark election law victory, preserving Rockland’s right to determine local election cycles.
- $2.5 million in additional benefits secured for veterans.
- The launch of a Cryptocurrency Unit and a Real-Time Crime Center through the Sheriff’s Office to enhance law enforcement efforts.
Health and Human Services
The County Executive highlighted progress in health and human services, including:
- Auditing over 60 schools and daycare centers to improve vaccination compliance.
- Partnering with Capabilities Partnership to assist families in securing services from the New York State Office for People With Disabilities (OPWDD).
- Hosting the second annual Accessible Family Fun Day in May, featuring adaptive sports and activities for individuals with special needs.
- Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Office for the Aging, which provided over 1,700 home-delivered meals, 700+ rides, and 1,500+ hours of respite care for Rockland’s seniors.
Environmental and Infrastructure Initiatives
Rockland County has continued to invest in environmental preservation and infrastructure improvements:
- Over 300 acres of open space preserved under the Open Space Acquisition Program.
- $10 million in ARPA grants distributed to enhance parks, playgrounds, and community gardens.
- $63 million in ARPA funds fully allocated to Revive and Rebuild Rockland, with half directed toward workforce housing.
Watch the full State of the County Address here:
Day’s Vision for Rockland’s Future
Day concluded his address by reiterating his administration’s commitment to responsible governance, fiscal prudence, and continued community investments.
“We have achieved far more than we ever imagined, but our work is far from over. I ask each of you to stand with me as we continue creating a county our families can be proud of.”
As Rockland County moves into 2025, the adminstration’s focus seems to remain on affordable housing, strengthening public services, promoting economic growth, and ensuring that taxpayers see a return on their investment in local government.