County Executive George Latimer, with his finance team and Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, presenting 2024 proposed county budget
Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced his proposed 2024 Operating Budget, his sixth, marking another significant step in the County’s journey to fiscal stability, sustainable development and enhanced public services.
Latimer said: “The 2024 Proposed Westchester County Operating Budget totals $2.4 billion and continues a commitment to programs that meet the needs of Westchester County residents. The proposed Operating Budget for 2024 maintains the same County property tax levy as 2023, marking the fifth consecutive year without a levy increase. This budget is a testament to our commitment to the residents of Westchester County.”
Budget Director Larry Soule said: “Since 2018 we have worked hard, under County Executive Latimer, to restore fiscal stability and improve the overall state of Westchester County. This dedication has yielded impressive results, as indicated by independent credit rating agencies. This is a proud day for the County.”
Stable and Positive:
- Moody’s: Aa1 (Stable)
- S&P: AA+ (Stable)
- Fitch: AA+ (Positive)
Additionally, due to another successful year of strong fiscal performance, the New York State Comptroller has recently lowered the fiscal stress score for the County to zero. This is the best score a municipality can achieve, indicating outstanding financial stability.
Closing 2023 with:
- No Borrowing for Tax Certioraris
- No Borrowing for Pensions
- No Use of Fund Balance
- No Borrowing for Cash Flow
For 2024:
- No Borrowing or One-Shots
- No Increase in Property Tax Levy
Latimer said: “This is great news for our County, as it demonstrates our commitment to responsible budgeting and holding taxes steady. This budget continues to place particular emphasis on public safety and emergency preparedness, housing, health and mental health services, as well as environmental and economic development programs. There are no one-shots, borrowing for operating expenditures, or use of any fund balance.”
Included in Latimer’s budget plan are:
Tobacco Cessation: $1.5 million dedicated to promoting tobacco cessation programs.
Social Services
• Childcare Scholarship Program – expand eligibility to 500% of FPL
• Food Security Funding – $1.3 million
Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc. Executive Director Kathleen Halas said: “Once again, Westchester County removes child care barriers for hard-working parents, not only making them a more available and productive workforce, but also ensuring that their children, our future workforce, will be ready to go.”
Environmental Initiatives – $25 Million
- EV Charging Infrastructure at County Parking Facilities: A substantial investment of $20 million to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure at County parking facilities.
Emergency Services & Public Safety
- Full funding for all budgeted positions.
- Ongoing Threat Assessment Management (TAM) Operations.
New Initiatives for 2024
- Flood, fire and non-FEMA emergency recovery program.
- Funding for two nonprofit organizations, one in the northern part of the County and one in the southern part, to provide assistance to families in need during relocation and recovery. Total cost: $300,000.
- On-Call Planning Consultants, a total cost of $500,000 to expedite implementation of affordable housing and flood mitigation projects.
- Addition of a Director of Flood Mitigation and Resiliency.
