When the Rockland County Legislature meets Tuesday night, its members will vote on adding 15 correction officers mandated by the state. This action comes less than two weeks after dozens of county workers were laid off due to Rockland’s budget deficit.
The legislators will vote on a resolution to establish 15 positions in the sheriff’s office for the Rockland County Correctional Center. The additional jail personnel is required in order to comply with new state minimum staffing requirements mandated by the New York State Commission of Corrections.
According to the resolution, the sheriff’s department is not requesting additional funds for the 14 new correction officers, who will earn the starting salary of $45,653, and one correction sergeant, whose salary will be $87,853. On a yearly basis the salaries add up to $726,995.
The legislature will act on a resolution passed by committee last week requesting mandate relief for all counties if get salary increases. County officials have previously noted that approximately 75 percent of the budget is state mandated.
A vote will be taken on approving a contract with for transportation of pre-school and early intervention children with special needs. The resolution already received unanimous approval from the Budget& Finance and Planning & Public Works committees.
The Valley Cottage-based bus company was one of four that submitted bids. 100 vendors were notified of the bid. The contract covers September 1, 2012 through August 31, 2015 with an option to renew for two periods of one year each.
The contract amount cannot exceed $13,837,436.62, which includes a two percent inflation increase for the second and third years. The resolution notes the multi-year agreement represents saving over the current cost. The contract is $177,627.70 less per year for a total saving of $532,883.10 for the three-year period.
Additionally, the legislators will vote on setting Oct. 3, 2012 at 7:05 p.m. as the date for a public hearing on a local law amending the county’s multiple dwelling smoking policy act.
The Tuesday meeting begins at 7p.m. at the county office building at 11 New Hempstead Road in New City.
