Some of the highest paid local government employees in New York state work for the Ramapo Police Department, according to an annual analysis released Monday by the Empire Center for Public Policy.

New York's highest paid local government employee in 2017-18 was Ramapo Police Capt. Thomas J. Cokeley, who made more than $320,000. Several other members of the department cashed out at over a quarter-million dollars in earnings.

Analysts say accrued time and overtime put payouts over the top.

"It's surprising that we have police departments in the lower Hudson Valley and in Long Island where the average pay is close to double what we're seeing in other parts of the state," says Ken Girardin, Empire Center analyst. "Obviously the cost of living is higher downstate, but it's not double."

Girardin contributed to the "What They Make" report, studying the average pay of state employees over a 12-month period ending March 21. He says transparency was the goal.

News 12 did not immediately hear back from the Town of Ramapo or police department for comment.