Rockland County’s Finances Improving Slightly [VIDEO]

Rockland County Finance Commissioner Steven DeGroat said overall the county’s finances have dramatically improved in the first quarter of 2013. However, he told the Joint Legislative Executive Task Force on Fiscal Management on Monday during his quarterly review that the outlook does not include the costs associated with Summit Park Hospital.

DeGroat told the task force members at the outset of the meeting, “You are going to see an improvement in the salary expenditure side this year.”

He said the county executive put more funds into the overtime account of the budget, an increase from $5.1 million to $7.6 million. However, DeGroat added Mental Health and General Services would see an increase because of employees using their vacation and personal days before program transfers to Nyack Hospital. The need to bring in relief workers to replace them could create an $800,000 shortfall and Summit Park is expected to cost the county at least $10 million this year. 

DeGroat said the revenues coming into the county are in line with what was forecast.

“Our revenues seem to be up a bit,” he said. “Our mortgage recording tax is up.” 

Sales tax revenues for the first quarter of 2013 are $18 million compared to $13 million for the same period last year. He pointed out the $18 million included the new residential energy tax which he estimated at $1 million per month.  DeGroat said the mortgage recording tax jumped in January because of increased home sales and refinancing deals.

Committee Chair Legislator Alden Wolfe brought up the subject of Summit Park Hospital and overtime. Wolfe noted that hospital employees feel their jobs are in danger because of the county executive’s backing and the legislature’s approval to create a Local Development Corporation to possibly sell the hospital and nursing home. He said those employees also are using their vacation and personal days and some are leaving. Another impact of a potential sale is the patient census count is decreased.

The number of occupied beds is 211 out of 321 beds at the nursing home, 33 out of 57 at the hospital and 23 out of 26 at the mental health inpatient facility. Wolfe and Legislature Chairwoman Harriet Cornell both spoke about the need to market the hospital and nursing home to the public and doctors. 

Wolfe also brought up the 73 vacant positions in county government. He said up 52 vacant positions could be reviewed for possible abolishment. Wolfe asked the finance and personnel department commissioners to share which positions they think are critical and should be kept and which can be eliminated permanently. 

Although Wolfe asked about the status of the county’s bus services contract, he received little information. Deputy County Executive Sean Matthews said they were working with the legal department on issues concerning the bus contract and he did not know when that would be complete.  Matthews said no federal funding was in jeopardy.  When Wolfe questioned whether there was a problem about awarding the contract to Brega Transport, Matthews said he could not respond publicly.  

The full legislature meets Tuesday night at 7 p.m.