Politics & Government

Proposed 2014 County Budget Raises Taxes Almost 10 Percent

Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef today submitted to the county legislature a $760.9 million proposed budget for 2014 that includes a property tax increase tax of 9.9 percent. 

The proposal does not call for any new county employee layoffs and does not include Community College Chargebacks or additional fees as revenue. It is based on the expectation that the governor will approve the county’s request for a $96 million deficit bond to pay off much of its estimated $125 million deficit.

The proposed budget maintains existing services.

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“I am pleased that this budget does not contain any program cuts, layoffs or outsourcing of services except in the area of Mental Health,” said Vanderhoef. “As part of our continuing efforts to cut costs, I have recommended a net decrease of approximately 40 vacant positions.”

The 9.9 percent property tax increase would cost the average homeowner about $101 more per year. Vanderhoef said Rockland County’s tax rate still remains among one of the lowest of all New York State counties. The 2013 property tax increase was 18 percent.

Vanderhoef noted the proposed spending plan is based on the governor signing the Rockland County Deficit Financing Act, which was approved by the legislature months ago.

“We have received no indication that Governor Cuomo will disapprove the Rockland County Deficit Financing Act. The act has passed both houses of the State Legislature and has the full backing of Rockland’s State representatives and bi-partisan support on the local level,” said Vanderhoef.

If Cuomo vetoes the legislation before the budget must be adopted, the county would be required by local law to set aside an additional $10 million to reduce its deficit. County officials have warned if that occurs then budget cuts and/or property tax increases would probably be needed.

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Legislative Chairwoman Harriet Cornell and Vice Chair Alden Wolfe could not be immediately reached for comment on the proposed budget.

The proposed budget projects minor revenue increases above 2013 levels in most areas. The Rockland County Nursing Care Center is funded through 2014. A Request For Proposals to sell or lease the nursing home has been issued. Mental Health emergency services and psychiatric inpatient services are funded through June. These services are scheduled to relocate to Nyack Hospital in the second quarter of 2014.

The 2014 Proposed County of Rockland Budget can be viewed on the County
website at http://rocklandgov.com


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