Rockland County officials are breathing a sigh of relief after the state Senate approved legislation Friday morning allowing the county to collect sales taxes.

Rockland County Executive Scott Vanderhoef says had the stalemate in the state Senate continued, it would have been impossible for the county to develop its budget for 2010. Now, Rockland can count on $45 million in tax revenue.

In Ramapo, the town's portion of the sales tax comes to $1.8 million. Local residents say they are relieved the stalemate has ended, but some believe the Senate crisis does not bode well for the future.