Hometown News: Judge Splits Difference in Budget Case

A state judge slashed the County Executive's proposed tax hikes by two-thirds yesterday. Judge John Michalek ruled that the tax levy must be a collaborative effort. The County Legislature's hired attorney, Paul Cambria, said that the tax burden on homeowners has been reduced by six-point-eight million dollars. Tax bills now will have to be recalculated and mailed out to residents as soon as the judge's decision is received in writing. County Executive Chris Collins had accused county lawmakers of violating the charter in their accounting practices, saying he needed to boost taxes to make up for the errors. Now the County Executive's office says it will not appeal the judge's decision.