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County Implementing Sales Tax Cap On Gasoline
Rockland County has approved a measure to ease the burden of rising fuel costs by capping the amount of sales tax collected on gasoline.
The average price of gasoline in Rockland County is approaching $4 per gallon, according to AAA. Under the plan, the county’s 4 percent sales tax on gasoline will be applied only to the first $3 per gallon, rather than the full retail price. At $4.00 per gallon, the savings on a ten-gallon fill-up would be $0.40.
The cap applies only to the County’s portion of the sales tax. New York State’s per-gallon taxes, including the state excise tax and the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD) assessment, remain unchanged.
The cap will be in effect from June 1, 2026, through March 1, 2027.
“This is no windfall, but we are doing what we can to help families,” County Executive Day said. “Government should not benefit from higher prices – it should step in to provide relief. This action delivers immediate, albeit modest, savings and continues our efforts to ease costs for residents when and where possible.”
County government took similar action in April 2022, capping sales tax as gas prices soared and the economy was still in post-pandemic economic recovery.
“With families already facing higher costs for groceries, health care, and home energy, I’m grateful the legislature stepped up proactively to bring our constituents some relief at the gas pump,” Legislator Beth Davidson said. “Gas prices were already on the rise, and as oil prices soar due to the conflict in the Middle East, they’ll only continue to go up. I want to thank our chair, Jay Hood, for setting this sales tax cap in motion in time for the summer travel season.”
While the measure will modestly lower the tax burden, officials noted that overall gasoline prices will continue to fluctuate based on market conditions, including the impacts of the war in Iraq and seasonal driving demands.
$7.4 Million in NY BRICKS Awards Strengthen Community Centers Across Rockland and Westchester Counties
Robert J. Rodriguez, President and CEO of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) announced nearly $7.4 million in NY BRICKS awards supporting community center projects across the Lower Hudson Valley.
In Haverstraw, a $4.56 million NY BRICKS award supports the addition and renovation of the Haverstraw Center. The project will expand space for community programming and improve accessibility for residents who rely on the center for services and engagement opportunities.
In Monsey, Community Outreach Center, Inc. received a $2 million award to support expansion and renovation of its facility at 21 Remsen Avenue. The project will strengthen Rockland County’s central hub for assistance with government programs, housing, healthcare coverage and essential community services.
The funding will support construction and renovation projects in Rockland and Westchester counties, strengthening local facilities that promote physical health, mental well-being and community connections for families, children and seniors. These investments advance Gov. Hochul’s Unplug and Play initiative, which expands access to affordable and accessible spaces where New Yorkers can gather, stay active and access essential services.
Statewide, the NY BRICKS (Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors) program awarded 30 grants totaling $100 million across 22 counties. The awards will benefit nearly 400,000 New Yorkers through free or low-cost programming and services.
In Port Chester, The Carver Center received an $863,972 award to support facility renovations that will enhance youth programming, educational services and community engagement in Westchester County.
These projects are part of Governor Hochul’s broader Unplug and Play initiative — a statewide effort to strengthen recreational and community infrastructure while encouraging families to stay active and connected. Through NY SWIMS, more than $200 million has been awarded to over 50 projects statewide to construct new swimming pools, modernize aging facilities and expand access to safe swim instruction and cooling resources.
NY BRICKS is investing $100 million in community centers across 22 counties, and NY PLAYS will open its application period in May 2026 to support additional recreational infrastructure projects across the state
Residents Invited to Offer Feedback on Draft Envision Rockland Comprehensive Plan
The Rockland County Planning Department invites residents to learn about the Draft Envision Rockland Comprehensive Plan and provide feedback on Wed, March 25th from 6 to 9 pm at the Rockland County Fire Training Center located at 35 Firemen’s Memorial Dr., Pomona.
The County will present the draft recommendations and key findings from the planning process at the public meeting and encourage community members to attend and provide input along with the Community Advisory Working Group. The agenda is as follows:
6 – 6:30 – Open House: Review Draft Recommendations
6:30 – 8 – Draft Plan Presentation + Public Comment
8 – 9 – Working Group Discussion
Registrations are encouraged and can be made here.
This meeting marks the formal launch of the public review period for the Draft Envision Rockland Plan, which will remain open through April 22nd. Residents will have several ways to provide feedback, including written or public comments during the meeting, and online submissions.
The Draft Plan will be posted on the project website on March 20th. Materials and additional information about the planning process can be found at www.envisionrockland.com.
Printed hard copies of the Draft Plan will also be available for review at the County Clerk’s Office as well as the Finkelstein, Haverstraw Kings Daughters, New City, Orangeburg, and Tomkins Cove libraries.
An additional public hearing will be held as part of the state’s environmental review process.
Learn more at www.envisionrockland.com.
