Pat Doxsey is reporting in the Daily Freeman Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro unveiled his proposed $480.1 million budget this week. The spending plan increases spending on programs serving youth and senior citizens and also proposes additional funding for mental health initiatives and programs for those with special needs. While the budget calls for a 2.8 percent spending increase, the property tax levy would decrease for the fourth consecutive year. Molinaro outlined a number of new initiatives in his budget signaling his administration’s priorities for 2018, including measures to combat the opioid epidemic, additional funds for Dutchess Community College and increased support for human rights programs, enhancements at the county's parks and programs for the special-needs community. The county Legislature will vote on a final plan in December. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.