An average of $157 per household in county property taxes, an increase of 18.4 percent is on the table under Scott Vanderhoef's final budget before stepping down as Rockland County Executive. The tax increase isn't the only shock to local residents, many non-mandated health programs are slated for elimination along with 70 county positions. The eliminations were couched as program eliminations, not layoffs by Vanderhoef, and would not effect members of the CSEA and two other unions until December, 31, 2013 due to a contract signed earlier this year. The proposed $736.9 million spending plan includes early retirement incentives for employees, closing the employee pharmacy, and the elimination of the Sheriff's Mounted Unit. Other programs on the cutting board are food services at the county jail, and five Sheriff's Patrol officers, Vanderhoef recommends many programs be outsourced at lower costs to the county.
Orangetown Supervisor Andy Stewart is holding a public hearing this evening regarding an amendment to town law. The amendment would allow the council to exceed the state mandated tax cap of two percent. Stewart recently presented a tentative budget plan of an 9.19 percent increase, but the board expect to get it lower. The town board is set to adopt the 2013 budget November 7th. But before doing so, will have to pass an amendment to the town code which would allow them to approve a budget that exceeds the cap first.
Tonight's meeting is at 8:00pm at the Orangetown Town Hall.
Originally Posted at Rockland, NY Property Taxes Set to Rise
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