Hudson Falls, NY, Jul 05, 2010 — Whatever the final numbers of New York State's still-unfinished budget turn out to be, they probably mean harder times for counties. Counties are the middleman between the state and its people, delivering services mandated by state law, then collecting reimbursement for their costs from state revenues. But the reimbursement rates are falling, just as demand for services is rising as hard economic times continue.

Roger Wickes, County Attorney for rural Washington County, tells Martha Foley the squeeze is getting worse.