NEW CITY, N.Y. — Rockland County is moving forward with a bold plan to separate Sewer District No. 1 from county oversight and reestablish it as an independent public authority. County Executive Ed Day confirmed the proposal, saying it will streamline operations and protect the county’s financial flexibility.
Clarkstown and Ramapo
The district, which manages sewage treatment for most of Clarkstown and Ramapo, as well as 500 parcels in Orangetown, operates on a $53 million annual budget. Under the current structure, it remains a county agency, which officials say leads to delays and excessive bureaucracy.
“Too much red tape slows down upgrades and infrastructure improvements,” said a source familiar with the plan.
The County Legislature is reviewing a Home Rule Request submitted in April. State-level approvals will also be required to finalize the transition.
Sewer District No. 1
Day said the move is driven by the fact that Sewer District No. 1 primarily benefits two towns but uses county bonding power for its projects. This, he argued, can compromise the county’s ability to borrow for other needs.
Public authorities function similarly to private corporations but are created by state law to serve specific infrastructure needs. They operate with greater autonomy than typical municipal departments and often lack the same level of oversight.
Rockland Green
Rockland Green, the county’s existing public authority for solid waste, serves as a cautionary tale. Created in 1994, it operates with limited public scrutiny despite controlling significant taxpayer funds. Critics argue it has underestimated project costs, issued excessive change orders, and expanded its role without voter approval.
In 2022, Rockland Green assumed control of the county’s animal shelter for $1 per year. It has since drawn criticism for legal costs, lawsuits, and borrowing $18 million for shelter construction despite holding a $36 million surplus.
Officials say the same lack of transparency could occur if Sewer District No. 1 severs its ties without strong oversight mechanisms in place.
Proposed 2026 budget
While separating the sewer district could remove a budget line item from the county’s books, taxpayers will still be responsible for funding its operations. The County’s proposed 2026 budget already includes a line item for the Sewer District, highlighting ongoing public investment.
Founded in 1962, the district manages major interceptors, pump stations, and wastewater treatment facilities. Its Orangeburg and Hillburn plants have been upgraded to handle up to 28.9 million gallons per day. Recent expansions extended services to Sloatsburg and Hillburn.
If approved, the newly formed Rockland County Sewer Authority would operate independently, setting rates and managing infrastructure without needing county approval.
Legislators are expected to evaluate the long-term implications of the move in the coming months.
Stay up to date with the latest Rockland News at Rockland Daily News.
Mathew Alvarez joined Rockland Daily News as a reporter in March 2020, but he’s no stranger to Rockland County. He grew up in New City and graduated from Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media.
