County Executive Scott Vanderhoef (R-Rockland) today unveiled a new budget that calls for 544 county employees to be let go.

"This has been the most difficult budget, the most difficult processes I've ever had to prepare," says Vanderhoef.

If the budget is passed, 230 vacant positions will be cut in 2012 and 544 county employees will be let go - 42 by the end of January, 49 more by April and 453 by August. Residents can also expect a property tax hike of 2 percent, the maximum amount allowed under the new state budget.

The county is also asking for union concessions and is considering furloughs for county employees who are not being laid off. Vanderhoef releases budget proposal