County Charter Changes Take Effect

Changes to the Rockland County Charter took effect on November 24, 2014.

The news rules update the annual budget process, increase fiscal oversight and enhance the systems of checks and balances between branches of government.

Major components of the law include:

· Reform of Annual Budget Process – The county executive now must submit the budget three weeks earlier than in the past. The intent is to give all parties involved more time to deliberate.

· Approval of Local Laws by County Executive – This clause changes the number of days the county executive has to approve or veto a local law from 30 days to 21 days and exempts certain resolutions from being

subject to vetoed by the county executive (such as: setting a date for a public hearing, rules of the Legislature, matters pertaining to the conduct of the Legislature; appointments vested solely in the Legislature).

· Local Laws – Stronger language is now required to ensure that local laws enacted, amended or rescinded are recognized as binding upon the county executive, the County Legislature and all county department heads.

· Deputy County Executive – The revision creates the position of deputy county executive, who will have the authority to act in place of, and in a manner determined by, the county executive.

· Appointments – Stricter timelines and rules concerning appointments made by the County Executive.

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