NEW CITY – As Rockland County government faces a multi-million dollar cash shortfall, County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef Thursday announced he would take a five percent pay cut.

His move comes on the heels of the county legislature’s approval earlier this week of his proposed contingency budget.

The county executive said Thursday that additional financial sacrifices are needed and he will voluntarily reduce his salary by $7,700. He currently makes $155,087 per year.

“This will not heal our budgetary wounds, but I want to lead by example,” Vanderhoef said. “This gesture will hopefully encourage others to take similar steps to help the county deal with our serious financial woes.”

Vanderhoef warned that the credit agencies are watching what the county does. “Moody’s Investors Service recently downgrades the county and I am eager to do my part to show Moody’s that we are ready and willing to make difficult financial decisions.”