Albany County executive Breslin unveils $580 million spending plan

Albany County Executive Mike Breslin released Friday a $580 million spending plan that adds more than $2 million for human services.

Breslin said given the current financial crisis New York state is facing, more people will need assistance -- but it will come at a cost, with a 4-percent increase in taxes and necessary budget cuts.

But Breslin said he's hopeful lawmakers will see things his way: "They understand that we have to have some tax increase -- and in the scheme of things, four percent is a rather modest tax increase."

"If something really goes up, we need to be prepared for it," he continued. "We've got to maintain our reserves."

Breslin said efforts to reduce spending include ongoing energy conservation projects at the sewer district and correctional facility, and cutting staff at the Albany County nursing home.