Rockland County Executive Ed Day announced a proposed budget for 2021 Thursday – it was a difficult process made even tougher by the coronavirus pandemic.

The $721.7 million proposal includes a 2.84% property tax increase for the average taxpayer, an additional $34 a year.

There are no cuts to vendor contracts, many of which are nonprofits, and no layoffs. But the county hiring freeze will continue, resulting in 150 vacant positions next year.

"These vacant positions are by retirements or leaving government, not by layoffs,” says Day. “We do not know the specifics of these continued vacancies and how it will affect departments, but I can tell you this – they will be significant. We will work to minimize the impacts on residents, but it will result in severely reduced services to those in dire need due to the COVID-19 crisis."

The budget now heads to the county Legislature. The Legislature must hold a public hearing by Nov. 20 and has until early December to adopt the budget or make changes.