LEGISLATURE ADOPTS 2009 ROCKLAND BUDGET by Ken Mahoney

LEGISLATURE ADOPTS 2009 ROCKLAND BUDGET by Ken Mahoney

After three hours of debate, the county legislature last night adopted a $714.5 million 2009 budget 13 to 4. Legislators Ed Day, Joe Meyers, Frank Sparaco and Jacques Michel voted no on the spending plan that brings along with it a 9.85% county tax hike. Comparing county tax bills year over year, many residents say this year they paid more than the 7-plus percent increase that was publicized last budget season by the legislature and county executive’s office. Some are afraid the same thing will happen again next year.

Legislators did make additional cuts to the budget proposed by County Executive Scott Vanderhoef, but instead of passing them along in the form of a smaller tax increase, they’re planning to bank the difference to cover a deficit that could continue to grow through 2009. Vanderhoef’s budget included funds from a new hotel occupancy tax and additional ticket revenue through the installation of cameras on county intersections. However, neither measure was voted on as legislators agreed to first hold public hearings on both bills.

About forty residents attended last night’s legislative session. Of those who addressed the budget during the public comment period, not a single participant spoke in its favor.