Westchester County Executive Andy Spano released his 2008 budget proposal Thursday, which includes a 4.7 percent county property tax hike.

Spano?s 10th budget proposal totals nearly $1.8 billion, up about $75.5 million from last year. He blames the tax hike on a slowdown in sales tax revenues due to the struggling economy. Spano also places blame on state-mandated child welfare programs that are going up by about $18 million next year. The proposal also includes a 25-cent fare hike on Bee-Line buses, to $2.

Despite the tax hike, Spano says the budget is a good one and he worked hard to keep the increase as low as possible. The Westchester County Board of Legislators still has to approve the budget.To view interviews about the proposed budget, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and click on iO Extra.

Related Information County Budget