Think of it like purchasing a big book, say, a coffee table book featuring beautiful travel pictures of places you’ll never visit — because you just can’t afford to get away.
Rockland County Executive Scott Vanderhoeff delivered his final budget proposal Wednesday in New City, and as Ned Ryerson from Groundhog Day might have said, it’s a doozy. The $760 million plan calls for basically a 10 percent increase in property taxes, on top of the 18% increase from 2013 which came after the 2012 30% property tax increase.
“It’s still difficult for some people,” Vanderhoef said, according to LoHud reporter Laura Incalcaterra. “On the other hand, it’s less than some library tax bills, and when you consider all the services and programs the county offers, it still represents a good value.”
The current proposed rate would mean approximately $100 more per year for homeowners. But, if the offices of Gov. Andrew Cuomo and NY State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli don’t approve Rockland’s budget, a whole series of obligations would be set into motion that could raise property taxes as much as 20%.
Vanderhoef said that compared to other New York counties, Rockland County’s tax rate remains among one of the lowest in the state. But Rockland homeowners are still in the top five in the state in terms of median taxes paid per home, coming in at an $8,084 average. Rockland’s taxes as a percent of home value still rank low when compared to other New York counties.
Throw in town and village taxes, then school and state taxes and, well, the bill adds up to a pretty pinch.
Vanderhoef ends his nearly 18-year run as the county’s top executive at the end of this year.
Currently, the county faces an approximately $128 million deficit, with a $96 million deficit bond proposal in Albany that would go toward paying down the debt.
According to Robin Traum at New City Patch, Vanderhoef said the proposed budget maintains existing county services, doesn’t call for layoffs and does not include the Community College Chargebacks or additional fees as revenue.
“I am pleased that this budget does not contain any program cuts, layoffs or outsourcing of services except in the area of Mental Health,” said Vanderhoef in Traum’s article. “As part of our continuing efforts to cut costs, I have recommended a net decrease of approximately 40 vacant positions.”
