Rocland County is in 'guarded condition' Scott Vanderhoff

Rocland County is in 'guarded condition' Scott Vanderhoff by Ken Mahoney

Rockland County Executive Scott Vanderhoef last night described the state of the county as being in “guarded condition.” Although there was a shortage of positive economic news to report in his 16th “State of the County” address, Vanderhoef attempted to rally confidence in new initiatives aimed at job growth and stemming local foreclosure rates. To that end, he suggested creating economic development and housing workforce focus groups to lay out action plans. Several legislators criticized Vanderhoef for not offering specifics on how he intends to steer the county through this economic downturn

MID-HUDSON CHAMBERS RALLY AGAINST PROPOSED MTA PAYROLL TAX

MID-HUDSON CHAMBERS RALLY AGAINST PROPOSED MTA PAYROLL TAX by Ken Mahoney

Chambers of Commerce across the mid-Hudson Valley are asking state legislators demand an MTA audit before voting on its proposed payroll mobility tax. Business leaders say it's only fair the state see a complete accounting of the authority's finances before even considering a bailout- one that would largely come at the expense of West of the Hudson government, business and not-for-profit agencies. The Rockland Business Association estimates a payroll tax would cost the county an addition $18 million dollars each year. This would be added on to an existing $40 million dollar loss to Rockland in terms of payments versus services