Spring Valley Mayor Alan Simon is adamant about his idea of the village regaining control of its Building Department.

Simon said at a news conference Thursday that he feels the village should take back the Building Department responsibilities after Rockland County took control of the department 18 months ago.

"Let's put it this way, it is in motion. How it's going to work, I cannot answer you today,” said Simon.

News 12 reached out to the New York state Department of State for a response, as it is the agency that gave Rockland County the authority to take over the village’s Building Department duties back in February 2022.

"When the Village establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the Village is ready, willing, and able to provide such administration and enforcement in a due and proper manner and in compliance with the minimum standards,” the Department of State said in a statement.

"We have conducted at least 30 meetings with New York state and the Department of State, and I can say that Mayor Simon has probably appeared at four of those meetings, so that speaks for itself,” says Rockland's Office of Buildings and Codes Ed Markunas.

The village's Building Department was described as "not organized and outdated" during the recent trials of employees.