Rockland lawmakers adopt budget with ‘modest’ tax cut

NEW CITY – The Rockland County Legislature adopted a $705 million budget for 2017 that cuts property taxes by 0.43 percent.
The spending plan, which was approved by an 11-6 vote Tuesday night, restores $1.3 million for 31 nonprofit public benefit organizations and commits to selling the Sain building with the estimated $4.5 million designated for deficit reduction.
Legislature Chairman Alden Wolfe said the budget cuts property taxes and restores vital services. It stays under the tax cap.
The budget, which will now be scrutinized by County Executive Edwin Day, who could veto parts of it, sets aside $724,000 to cover contractual obligations; estimates a sales tax revenue increase of $1.5 million to $195.5 million; and eliminates 26 new and vacant positions and restores 13 jobs, including nine payoffs