The 2006 proposed Rockland County budget is out and county executive Scott Vanderhoef says the $610 million plan is fair and balanced.

The plan includes a 1.1 percent decrease in property taxes and calls for an increase of $23 million in spending from last year. Some spending increases include a mental health wing at the county jail, a backup computer system at emergency management and a helicopter for law enforcement officials. But Vanderhoef's opponent, Democrat Ellen Jaffee, has concerns relying on a projection. She says if the sales tax projection does not come through the county will have to increase borrowing.

Vanderhoef believes the budget is balanced and will move Rockland forward. The legislature will have to ultimately decide by mid December.