Metro-North train stops in Harriman

MID-HUDSON – Government officials in the Mid-Hudson counties that are part of the MTA region are already exploring the possibility of withdrawing from the transportation agency’s region.

The Orange County Legislature Thursday voted to ask the state for permission to allow it to withdraw from the MTA region. Orange followed the lead of Rockland County, whose legislature earlier this week voted to ask the state to get out of the New York City transportation region.

Orange Legislature Chairwoman Roxanne Donnery said it’s time to let the county’s position be known.

“It’s really time that those governing in New York right now and making this decision find out that they can’t balance New York’s State on people from upstate.”

County Legislator Gregory Townsend said the state“cannot continue to tax the residents of Orange County for other places; that just doesn’t make sense.”

Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Roger Higgins said he, too, will explore withdrawal.

“The passing of the payroll tax is absolutely unacceptable,” he said. “It’s the talk of the town and I think representatives in Albany rally need to hear from us.”

The territory extends from Long Island to the five boroughs of New York and up to Rockland, Westchester, Putnam, Orange and Dutchess counties and the State Legislature Wednesday night approved million of dollars in new charges and fees on counties, businesses and individuals. The most recognizable is the payroll tax.

Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano was furious about the payroll tax component, saying it will hurt business.