Legislators are expected to vote tonight on the Rockland County budget, which includes overriding a state-imposed 2-percent property tax cap to balance the books and help close a $52 million deficit.

Changes to the 2012 budget plan mean hundreds of jobs could be saved, but they could come at the taxpayers' expense.

After months of intense speculation, it looks like massive layoffs and program cuts are not in store for Rockland County. On Monday, the County Legislature's Budget and Finance Committee agreed to a 2012 budget that saves hundreds of jobs, keeps the Summit Park Nursing Home open and restores most law enforcement funding.

However, a 30-percent property tax increase has been proposed to pay for it all.

Also, Rockland Legislator Douglas Jobson says union concessions and changes at Summit Park will ultimately be necessary to make the county-run facility profitable and keep it open, otherwise it'll eventually have to be sold.

Jobson says the proposed tax increase translates to about $150 per year for the average household.

County Executive Scott Vanderhoef (R-Rockland) has five days to make changes or veto the budget after legislators vote on it.

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