Rockland County Executive Announces Budget That Raises Taxes, Cuts Jobs

NEW CITY, NY (WCBS 880) - Rockland County's problems have been growing for some time.

WCBS 880's Sean Adams On The Story

The county relies heavily on sales tax and the recession stung.

The county has a $52 million deficit and County Executive Scott Vanderhoef has warned for some time the 2012 budget would be difficult.

He has now announced that there will be nearly 800 jobs lost, property taxes will rise 2 percent, plus there will be a one time $160 surcharge to pay off an $18 million loan.

Summit Park Hospital will close.

There will be no more prenatal clinic and no more funding for cancer prevention.

The tourism department will also be a thing of the past.

There are cuts to the sheriff's department and narcotics task force.

Plus, there are some new taxes on cell phones, hotels, motels, and real estate transfers and the mortgage tax will increase.

Union leaders vow to fight the proposal.

Lawmakers are reserving comment until they can review all of the numbers.

What do you think Rockland County should do about its budget woes? Sound off in the comments section below!

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• Sean Adams
• Rockland County, New York