Rockland residents upset with proposed 2012 budget cuts

Rockland residents are criticizing the county's planned 2012 budget, which includes millions of dollars in taxes, surcharges and additional fees. County Executive Scott Vanderhoef (R-Rockland) announced the $702 million proposal yesterday, saying the extra costs are in place to close a $52 million budget gap. The new additions include a 2-percent property tax increase, a $160 one-time property tax surcharge, a monthly 30-cent cell phone tax and a 3-percent hotel tax. Vanderhoef also warned that 544 county employees will be laid off when the new budget takes effect.Rockland budget includes 544 layoffs