RBD WebTalk

MTA CHAIRMAN TO SPEAK (AND LISTEN) IN ROCKLAND TUESDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:36:00 +0000

MTA CHAIRMAN TO SPEAK (AND LISTEN) IN ROCKLAND TUESDAY

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s new chairman is coming to Rockland next week – to get an earful from the public. Jay Walder will appear Tuesday at a noon-time luncheon at the Rockland Country Club in Sparkill. It’s part of what’s being called a “listening tour” by Walder of the four counties that share a single vote on the MTA Board. What he’s likely to hear MOST are complaints about the recently-imposed Payroll Mobility Tax, a fee that will cost employers in the MTA region millions of dollars a year. The public is invited to Tuesday’s luncheon by reservation only, through the Rockland Business Association, the event co-sponsor.

UNEMPLOYMENT DOWN SLIGHTLY IN REGION

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:36:00 +0000

UNEMPLOYMENT DOWN SLIGHTLY IN REGION

New figures show October’s unemployment rate in the lower Hudson region including Rockland came in at seven-point-one percent. That’s well below the 10.2% national rate – and slightly below the region’s September rate – but it’s still well above last October’s 5% unemployment rate regionally.

HEARING ON PROPOSED HOSPICE SLATED FOR NEXT TUESDAY IN NEW CITY

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:33:00 +0000

HEARING ON PROPOSED HOSPICE SLATED FOR NEXT TUESDAY IN NEW CITY

Rockland County’s first hospice home may be coming soon. A public hearing is scheduled next Tuesday on United Hospice of Rockland’s request for a special permit to operate a home in New City. The hearing, at Clarkstown Town Hall, is the latest chapter in a five-year quest by United Hospice to bring Rockland a facility to care for terminally-ill patients in their final days. As it stands, the area’s closest hospice facilities are in Orange County and the Bronx

HIGH FORECLOSURE RATE SLAMS LOWER HUDSON REGION

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:48:00 +0000

HIGH FORECLOSURE RATE SLAMS LOWER HUDSON REGION

The region continues to be hit hard by economic woes, including unemployment and the resultant loss of homes. Monthly figures cited by The Journal News show a more-than two-fold year-to-year increase in initial foreclosure filings across the lower Hudson Valley. That includes an increase in Rockland from 94 filings in October, 2008, to 177 filings last month. The October increase in Westchester was even steeper, from 96 foreclosure filings in 2008 to 320 filings in 2009.

T-Z REBUILD WORKSHOP TODAY AT PALISADES CENTER

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:51:00 +0000

T-Z REBUILD WORKSHOP TODAY AT PALISADES CENTER

Rockland and Westchester residents get another official look today at what’s in store locally when the Tappan Zee Bridge is replaced. The second of five community workshop on the bridge project is slated for 6 p.m. at the Palisades Mall’s Adler Community Room. The session will focus on Clarkstown – specifically, on how new mass transit options – via Thruway and railway -- would affect the town. The first workshop, focusing on Ramapo, was held two nights ago. The next one, focusing on Orangetown, is slated for next Wednesday, the 18th, at Nyack High School. The estimated five-year, $16-billion project could start as early as 2013. It calls for the addition of new, and as yet unfinalized, commuter bus and rail links across the new bridge.

COUNTY REVIEWING FAILURE TO SEND PRE-PAYMENT TAX NOTICES

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:25:00 +0000

COUNTY REVIEWING FAILURE TO SEND PRE-PAYMENT TAX NOTICES

Rockland officials are looking to find out why notices were not sent to home-owners last month, reminding them that their quarterly taxes were due. Scores of taxpayers confronted county officials Friday, after receiving late notices informing them they now were tax delinquents facing penalties. County Executive Scott Vanderhoef acknowledges the failure to send early reminders is a break from tradition – although the county is not required to do so. County Legislative Chairwoman Harriet Cornell promises the legislature will take whatever action it can – and legislative approval is necessary -- to have the penalties waived where appropriate.

ELECTION DAY BIG FOR ROCKLAND INCUMBENTS

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:15:00 +0000

ELECTION DAY BIG FOR ROCKLAND INCUMBENTS

Incumbents have been swept back into office throughout Rockland. Voters gave Republican Scott Vanderhoef the fifth term he sought as County Executive. Ramapo’s Christopher St. Lawrence, Clarkstown’s Alex Gromack, and Haverstraw’s Howard Phillips – all Democrats -- were returned as Town Supervisor.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE RACE TOPS ELECTION DAY RUNDOWN

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:33:00 +0000

COUNTY EXECUTIVE RACE TOPS ELECTION DAY RUNDOWN

Polls are open until 9 p.m. throughout Rockland, with more than 40 races to be settled on this Election Day. The key race county-wide pits incumbent County Executive.Scott Vanderhoef against Orangetown Supervisor Thom Kleiner. County Clerk Paul Piperato runs unopposed for re-election. Giovanni Scaringi takes on incumbent Robert Jackson in the only county legislator’s race -- that of the 14th district, in Clarkstown.

Two town supervisors are running unopposed in Rockland – Clarkstown’s Alex Gromack and Haverstraw’s Howard Phillips. Ramapo’s incumbent supervisor, Chris St. Lawrence, is challenged by Spring Valley village attorney Bruce Levine. Suzanne Barclay and Paul Whelan are vying for the Orangetown supervisor’s seat being vacated by Kleiner. And in Stony Point, William Sherwood and Peter Muller are vying to succeed incumbent supervisor Phil Marino, who’s not running.

As for the villages, there are three key mayors’ races. Noramie Jasmin, Allan Thompson, and Jacques Michel are up for the seat being vacated by incumbent mayor George Darden. Richard Kavesh and Denise Hogan square off for Nyack Supervisor. And in Suffern, Dagan LaCorte takes on James Giannettino, with incumbent mayor John Keegan on the ballot but not actively seeking re-election. Finally, Christoph Sanders runs unopposed for mayor in Piermont.

State of Rockland’s Economy

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:03:00 +0000

State of Rockland’s Economy

By Ken Mahoney

Like the rest of the country, Rockland County has been affected by the major recession and housing market collapse. Unemployment has increased from a December 2006 low of 3.2% to 7.4% in June and July of 2009. As of August the official tally had decreased to 7.3%, but challenges remain across New York as sales and income tax receipts are down. In Rockland sales tax receipts are down over 3% and money brought in from mortgage taxes has decreased as well.

The unemployment figures in Rockland are slightly higher than the recession in the early 1990’s and two percentage points higher than the downturn earlier in this decade. Nationally the unemployment rate is above 9%, the highest since the recession of the early 1980’s. New York State’s overall tax receipts are down 7.7% from last year as of September according to the state’s Department of Taxation and Finance. That is $516 million less than last year. The dip in revenue is the worst since the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attack. In Rockland, sales tax receipts are down 3.8%.

In response to the financial problems, the Governor of New York has proposed over $4 billion in spending cuts. County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef proposed a 2010 budget with a 1% increase in spending and a 4% increase in County property taxes. Vanderhoef also said he’s responded to the weak economy by cutting $10 million in County salaries through early retirement buyouts. He has eliminated about 200 positions, he said.

The collapse of the housing market has caused a drastic decline in prices and a shift in strengths in the marketplace. The number of homes being sold has plummeted along with the price. According to the Greater Hudson Valley Multiple Listing Service the housing market in Rockland is still in decline at the moment. There were 248 new listings in September, at an average price of $559,102. That’s 10.6% less than new listings last September.

Below, compare prices homes were being sold in 2005 to 2008. In 2005 GHVMLS reported that

230 homes were sold in Rockland for over $750k 653 from $500 to 749k 557 from $400 to 499k 174 from $350 to 399k 94 from $300 to 349k

In 2008 GHVMLS reported that

102 homes sold in Rockland for over $750k 348 from $500 to 749k 392 from $400 to 499k 175 from $350 tp $399k 81 from $300 to $349k

There has even been a resurfacing of a few homes that have sold below $100k, something that hasn’t been seen since the early part of the decade. While in light of the rapid collapse of the market it may seem like prices are low, keep in mind that in 2001 the vast majority of homes in Rockland were being sold between $200 and $400k. GHVMLS reported that the rapid decline in the market has abated some and it is possible a bottom will be reached in the coming year. While some experts like Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke believe the economy will recover in the coming months, it is worth remembering Mr. Bernanke and most others did not accurately forecast the current recession in the first place. Hang on tight; we are sure to see a positive change in trends as long as we continue to persevere.

COUNTY SCHOOLS FACE $10-MILLION IN STATE CUTS

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:03:00 +0000

COUNTY SCHOOLS FACE $10-MILLION IN STATE CUTS

Rockland County school districts stand to lose more than $10,000,000 in state funding under Governor David Paterson’s proposed budget cuts. That’s according to Our Town newspaper in a report in today’s edition. Among those who’ll vote on the cutbacks is State Senator Thomas Morahan. He told us this morning he thinks there are ways to trim the budget without short-changing local school districts. But he said districts in Rockland and throughout the state should be looking for ways to keep their own spending down. State legislators are likely to be called back to Albany next week to vote on the budget cuts.

BAIL SET FOR WOMAN IN STOCK FRAUD CASE

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:59:00 +0000

BAIL SET FOR WOMAN IN STOCK FRAUD CASE

Bail has been set at $100,000 for a former New City woman accused in a multi-million-dollar stock fraud scheme with her husband. Sixty-two year-old Karen Lampert was arraigned yesterday in State Supreme Court here in Rockland. Her husband, 59-year-old Steven Lampert, is in jail in California. That’s where the couple has been living since leaving Rockland eight months ago. Police say the Lamperts left the county after selling friends and acquaintances more than $3,000,000 in bogus stocks. They’re both charged with grand larceny.

ORANGETOWN BUDGET SEES 4.5% TAX HIKE

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:46:00 +0000

ORANGETOWN BUDGET SEES 4.5% TAX HIKE

Orangetown residents will get a 4.5% tax increase if the town’s proposed 2010 budget is approved. Supervisor Thom Kleiner says the $2.9-million increase is necessary to meet contractual agreements with town police and civil service employees. Otherwise, Kleiner says, the budget aims for a zero-percent increase in discretionary spending. Kleiner won’t be in his current office when the budget takes effect. He’s stepping down as supervisor to make his bid for County Executive.

P-S-C GIVES O&R THE O.K. ON RATE-HIKE by Ken Mahoney

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:44:00 +0000

P-S-C GIVES O&R THE O.K. ON RATE-HIKE by Ken Mahoney

Orange and Rockland bills will rise an average of about three dollars a month, starting November first. The state Public Service Commission has approved the utility’s request for a rate increase on natural gas delivery. That three-dollar-a-month increase represents only the first year of the package. Two more annual increments will bring the overall increase to more than ten dollars a month for the average user by November of 2011.

COUNTY GETS MORE FLU VACCINE, SCHEDULES FRIDAY CLINIC by Ken Mahoney

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:52:00 +0000

COUNTY GETS MORE FLU VACCINE, SCHEDULES FRIDAY CLINIC by Ken Mahoney

A new shipment of seasonal flu vaccine has arrived in Rockland. And the County Health Department is re-opening its flu-shot PROGRAM, at least for a day. Officials say the shots will be available at the Yeager Health Center in Pomona tomorrow from 1 to 4 p.m. And they say MORE vaccine is on the way by early November. The shots are available free to seniors over 60, and for a $25 charge to all others. The county suspended much of its flu-shot schedule when the initial supply of vaccine all-but ran out last week.

CUOMO, IN ROCKLAND, TOUTS PENSION REFORM BILL by Ken Mahoney

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:51:00 +0000

CUOMO, IN ROCKLAND, TOUTS PENSION REFORM BILL by Ken Mahoney

New York’s Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo, came to Rockland yesterday to promote a state pension reform bill. Speaking to reporters at Ramapo Town Hall, Cuomo said the measure would protect both the dwindling pension fund and the state’s taxpayers. The bill would, among other things, increase the number of fund overseers from the current one trustee to a 13-member board of financial advisors. And it would ban political contributors to the State Comptroller from doing business with the Comptroller’s office. Cuomo is viewed as a potential front-runner among Democrats expected to seek the party’s nod for Governor next year

COUNTY EXEC CANDIDATES IN DEBATE TONIGHT

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:35:00 +0000

COUNTY EXEC CANDIDATES IN DEBATE TONIGHT

Rockland development and resulting environmental issues are the focus of debate tonight for the County Executive candidates. Incumbent Scott Vanderhoef and Orangetown Supervisor Thom Kleiner will square off at 8 p.m. at the Clarkstown Town Hall in New City. The debate is sponsored by the Rockland Coalition for Sustainable Water. One hot-button issue likely to come up: United Water’s proposed Hudson River Desalination plant.

COUNTY EXEC CANDIDATES TO DEBATE TODAY AND THURSDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:51:00 +0000

COUNTY EXEC CANDIDATES TO DEBATE TODAY AND THURSDAY

The county executive candidates will debate the issues today in New City. The debate, between incumbent Scott Vanderhoef and Orangetown Supervisor Thom Kleiner, is set for 6:30 p.m. at Gracepoint Gospel Fellowship on New Hempstead Road. The two will meet again this week – Thursday night at Clarkstown Town Hall – to debate environmental issues facing Rockland County.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS by Michael A. Starvaggi, Esq

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:45:00 +0000

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS Michael A. Starvaggi, Esq.

Recently, one of my clients asked me to draft a lease for a commercial building. He told me that, although his objective had been to sell the building, the proposed tenant did not have money for a down payment and did not want to commit to a purchase at the time. The solution, he said, was that they would enter into a five year lease “with an option.” When I asked him for more details he said that the tenant would have a “right of first refusal” during the lease term, using the phrase interchangeably with “option.”

This scenario highlights several pitfalls for parties who negotiate the terms of their leases carelessly or without legal counsel. Rights of first refusal (“ROFRs”) and options are very different devices and both should be approached with precision and caution. It is crucial that landlords and tenants understand the difference between the two.

In order to distinguish one from the other, we need look no further than the names of the two devices. A ROFR is just what it says, the right of a tenant to match an offer to purchase the property which is made by a third party. An option is a unilateral right of the tenant to purchase the property (with or without pre-determined terms such as price) that is exercisable by the tenant during a specified period.

An ROFR allows the landlord to keep the property on the market, with the caveat that any offers made by third parties may be matched by the tenant. This seems harmless enough until you consider the fact that bidders are loathe to go through the time and effort of investigating a property and negotiating a purchase price, when someone else has the legal right to step in at the end and take the property on the same terms. Failing to disclose the existence of the ROFR to the bidder is a dangerous and unethical practice that would expose the landlord to liability from the bidder and the tenant.

By contrast to the ROFR, an option is the singular right of the tenant to purchase the property to the exclusion of anyone and everyone else for a defined period of time. Furthermore, it is a “one way street” in that it gives the tenant an exercisable right but includes no corresponding right of the landlord to compel the tenant to buy. Thus, when there is an existing option on the premises, it should not be held out for sale because the landlord is not free to convey title to anyone other than the tenant during the option period.

Once the devices are understood, landlords and tenants must keep in mind that renting with an option or a ROFR is not a logical alternative to selling. In fact, under common practice, where the negotiated rent is at market value and the other lease terms are equitable between the parties, options and ROFRs are typically not given. This is because there is no extra consideration being given by the tenant to support the additional rights that an option or a ROFR entail. This is a key concept to grasp. Options and ROFRs are additional rights that benefit the tenant only. Thus, if there is no extra consideration paid by the tenant for one of these rights, there is no logical reason to include them just because it is contemplated that the tenant may one day wish to buy the building. The tenant, like anyone else, is always free to make an offer of purchase, and parties should avoid the temptation to “throw in” an option or a ROFR for the mere purpose of memorializing a discussion about the tenant buying the building some day.

In conclusion, remember that both the ROFR and the option are powerful legal devices that convey specific, and different, rights. If you truly intend to include one or the other in your lease negotiation, be clear about which one you intend. Once that decision is made, there are many drafting considerations to be addressed regarding exactly how either right can be exercised. The failure to clearly spell out these details is an invitation to litigation.

Leases are important instruments. And leases with options or ROFRs are all the more complex. You are encouraged to always seek the advice of counsel when negotiating and drafting a lease.

By: Michael A. Starvaggi, Esq. Starvaggi Law Offices, P.C. Phone: (845) 589-9456 mstarvaggi@starlawpc.com

FUNDING EYED FOR T-Z BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:30:00 +0000

FUNDING EYED FOR T-Z BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT County, state and federal officials met at Rockland Community College yesterday with an eye on the Tappan Zee Bridge – specifically, on how to fund the long-awaited bridge-replacement project. The proposed $16-billion project would include a new and larger bridge with commuter bus and rail service provided. A federal transportation official promised those at yesterday’s summit that Washington will squeeze out every penny it can for the project. But others, including Orangetown Supervisor Thom Kleiner – who’s running for County Executive – warned that the funds necessary to complete the project as envisioned might take longer to find than expected.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE DEBATE ON ENVIRONMENT SLATED NEXT WEEK by Ken Mahoney

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:48:00 +0000

COUNTY EXECUTIVE DEBATE ON ENVIRONMENT SLATED NEXT WEEK by Ken Mahoney The county executive candidates will debate environmental issues next week. The debate – between incumbent Scott Vanderhoef and his challenger, Orangetown Supervisor Thom Kleiner -- is slated for Thursday, October 8th, at Clarkstown Town Hall. The Rockland Coalition for Sustainable Water, sponsoring the event, says the debate will cover, among other things, flooding, land use, and United Water’s proposed desalination plant.

Steve Powell Marketing Seminar tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:35:00 +0000

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Just the Facts: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8:00–9:00 AM (plus Q&A) · Your Unique Message – Finding Your Core Identity · Branding – Dressing Your Business for Success -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9:15–10:15 AM (plus Q&A) · Media Advertising – What's the Big Idea? · Public Relations - Making News -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10:30AM–11:30 PM (plus Q&A) · Web Sites – The World Wide Web of Confusion · Internet Marketing – Should you be a social butterfly? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bonus Session! 12:00 – 1:00 PM · Trade Shows – EXPOsing Yourself to the World! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Event Location: Hilton Garden Inn 270 West Route 59 Nanuet, NY 10954 (845) 623.0600 Registration includes: Seminar Materials and excercise worksheets, Free Consultation after Session(s) and continental breakfast -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Time: 8:00am to 1:00 pm Date: September 15, 2009 Price: One Session: $25.00 Price: Two or more: $40.00 Advance registration required at: www.c8group.net/mbd Bonus! FREE to all registered expo exhibitors! Trade Shows – EXPOsing Yourself to the World! You're making the big effort to put yourself out there, so do it right. Tips & Techniques for getting the most from your trade show investment. Exhibit suggestions and advice for cost-effective selling solutions that work! Yes! Register Me Now. Seminar Leader: During his 25-plus year career, Steve has created award winning sales promotions for General Mills, Dunkin' Donuts and Kraft Foods, overseen marketing and creative for national newsstand magazines, developed highly profitable sales portals for leading catalog companies and helped a NY science museum raise funds for its expansion. Since 2001, he has helped scores of local, regional and national businesses brand themselves for increased profits and success through his company, C8 Marketing Group. Based on his long-running talk-radio show, Steve takes audiences through the 'ins' and 'outs' of marketing and advertising. He clearly explains the basics of branding, sales and targeted marketing with clarity and humor, supplying real-world examples and detailed handouts to illustrate his points. Steven Powell President | Chief Creative, C8 Marketing Group Co-publisher | Chief Creative, Rockland Business Digest Host of Hudson Valley's weekly talk-radio show, Marketing By Design Member: Rockland Business Association Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce Seminar presented by: C8 Marketing Group 148 North Main Street | Florida, NY 10921 To Register: telephone: 845.651.1650 | web site: www.c8group.net/mbd Or, click this link | Yes, Register Me Now! Forward email This email was sent to fmonam@aol.com by spowell@c8group.net. Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by Co-oper8 Marketing Group | 148 North Main Street | Florida | NY | 10921

T-Z BRIDGE SUMMIT SCHEDULED SEPT. 29TH

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:15:00 +0000

T-Z BRIDGE SUMMIT SCHEDULED SEPT. 29TH State and local officials will gather in Rockland later this month to discuss possible funding efforts for the Tappan Zee replacement project. The $16-billion project – one of the nation’s largest – would not only replace the aging structure with a new bridge, but add a mass-transit link between Rockland and Westchester counties. The summit, called by county legislative chairwoman Harriet Cornell, is slated for September 29th at Rockland Community College. Organizers say a limited number of seats will be available for residents to sit in on the discussions.

COUNTY EXEC DEBATE ON DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT SET FOR OCTOBER by Ken Mahoney

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:07:00 +0000

COUNTY EXEC DEBATE ON DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT SET FOR OCTOBER by Ken Mahoney Candidates for County Executive will debate economic development issues before the public next month. The debate, sponsored by the Rockland Coalition for Sustainable Water, is scheduled for October 8th at Clarkstown Town Hall. Incumbent Scott Vanderhoef and his opponent, Orangetown Supervisor Thom Kleiner, will share their views on economic growth in Rockland and how it will affect such things as water resources, flooding, and zoning regulations. A main focus of the event is the whether the proposed Hudson River desalination plant will be necessary.

ROCKLAND CONGRESSMEN REPORTED PLANNING PUBLIC FORUMS ON HEALTH-CARE PLAN by Ken Mahoney

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:27:00 +0000

ROCKLAND CONGRESSMEN REPORTED PLANNING PUBLIC FORUMS ON HEALTH-CARE PLAN by Ken Mahoney Meanwhile, plans reportedly are under way by Rockland’s three Democratic congressmen to hold public forums on the health care plan. Spokesmen for Nita Lowey and Elliot Engel say both representatives plan to hold sessions sometime later this month, times and places to be determined. And it’s reported that Congressman John Hall will meet with the public on four as-yet unspecified dates. Town Hall meetings and other public forums on health care around the country have drawn loud and angry criticism of the Obama plan. Several Rockland residents have complained that telephone conference calls set up by Lowey and others don’t give the public at large a real voice in the health-care debate.

VANDERHOEF SEEKS EXTENSION OF COUNTY’S EARLY-RETIREMENT PLAN

noreply@blogger.com (Rockland Business Digest) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 01:54:00 +0000

VANDERHOEF SEEKS EXTENSION OF COUNTY’S EARLY-RETIREMENT PLAN County Executive Scott Vanderhoef says he hopes another 50 to 75 county employees will sign up for early retirement. That would be in addition to the 112 who already have taken the county up on its buyout offer. County officials said yesterday the program’s first-year savings in salaries and benefits should be about $6,000,000. Vanderhoef acknowledged that the county workforce of just under 27-hundred employees is now at its lowest level in 25 years. But he insisted the county is still managing to provide residents with necessary services.