Parties wrangle over budget plan; Rensselaer County GOP puts forth a proposal with a 5 percent tax hike; Democrats suggest cuts.(Capital Region)

Byline: KENNETH C. CROWE II - Staff Writer

TROY - Rensselaer County Legislature Republicans and Democrats are sparring over the proposed 2008 county budget that will be the subject of a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. today.

County Executive Kathleen Jimino, a Republican, proposed a $280.4 million budget that carries a 5 percent tax increase for property owners.

The Republican majority is backing Jimino's proposed budget and tax increase. The Democratic minority maintains budget cuts could eliminate the need for a tax increase.

The majority issued a report from Legislature Chairman Neil Kelleher and Vice Chairman for Finance Richard Salisbury …