Arthur Cusano is reporting in the Register Star following a public hearing Mon., Dec. 15, the Columbia County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the county's 2015 budget. The $147.3 million spending plan includes a 1.34 percent tax levy increase, which falls under the state-mandated tax cap. The budget includes funding for infrastructure repairs and renovations to the county Department of Social Services building in Hudson. The projected sales tax revenue for 2015 was increased to $36 million. Also included was a $1.2 million transfer to subsidize the county-owned Pine Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The spending plan did not contain any cuts to services or staff. Following the budget vote the full board heard presentations in executive session from three for-profit companies interested in purchasing the Pine Haven facility. The county intends to follow through on the process of privatizing the 120-bed skilled nursing center some time in the coming year. Read the full story in the Register Star.