No One-Shots, $65M Surplus
Westchester County Executive George Latimer has proposed a $6 million dollar cut to the County property tax levy in a preview of his 2023 proposed Operating Budget. This is the fourth County property tax cut in a row presented by Latimer as County Executive.
Latimer said:“I have been all around this County; I have heard the stories from families who are feeling the strain of inflation- this budget is for them. We have once again cut taxes, and expanded the programs that the people of this County need. I am proud of this Budget, this is what honest and fair governing is, that is who we are as an administration.”
Closing 2022 with projected $65.9 million operating surplus
No borrowing for tax certs
No borrowing for pension
No use of fund balance
2023 Budget contains no borrowing or one-shots
No borrowing for tax certs
No borrowing for pension and paying down $10.9 million for a prior balance
No use of fund balance
No borrowing for cash flow
Latimer said: “The 2023 Budget reflects a continued commitment to programs that meet the needs of Westchester County residents. We have cut taxes but we have also added $1 million to food security programs that serve 100 pantries, we have increased funding for homeless shelter contracts, and we have put in $500k for New Rochelle Family Court support services.”
Budget Director Larry Soule said: “This budget reflects the steadfast commitment of the County Executive to serve the needs of all residents of Westchester County, while at the same time remaining accountable to the needs of the taxpayers.”
RATING AGENCIES
The 2023 Budget increases the “rainy day fund” to about 19% of County operating expenditures- a bold way to stabilize the bond ratings for the County.
Latimer said: “For the past four consecutive fiscal years, our administration has been able to propose an Operating Budget that included a cut to the County property tax levy. Westchester County also boasts a AA+, AA+ and Aa1 rating by Standard and Poor’s, Fitch and Moody’s, respectively – among the highest ratings awarded by these three major agencies. These accomplishments are due in no small part to the professional work of the Westchester County Department of Finance.”
Finance Commissioner Karin Hablow said: “I applaud the County Executive for submitting a balanced budget that also includes another consecutive year of a decrease to the tax levy. The County has steadily improved its financial position while continuing to offer the services needed and sought out by its residents. The fiscally responsible budgets that the County Executive has proposed year after year will position Westchester County as a financially stable entity for years to come.”
PUBLIC SAFETY / CORRECTIONS / PROBATION
In a record setting year, the Department of Public Safety, Department of Corrections and Department of Probation are funded at the highest level they have ever been funded in Westchester County history – a total of $260.9 million.
· Correction $156.6 million
· Public Safety $59.1 million
· Probation $45.2 million
This allocation in the Budget includes:
· IT Coordinator and Crime Data Analyst for Public Safety
· Three additional School Resource Officers in Katonah, North Salem and Hendrick Hudson
· New class of Corrections Officers included in Budget for 2023
HEALTH & COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH
The Westchester County Health Department accounts for $220.8 million in the Operating Budget, and $17.2 million for the Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH).
Health Budget includes:
· Maternal Mortality $1 million
· Federally Qualified Health Centers / Neighborhood Health Centers expansion $1 million (total $3 million)
Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “The Health Department has devoted a considerable amount of its resources over the past two years to its COVID response. This budget will allow the Department to refocus its attention on core public health priorities and inequities.”
DCMH Budget includes:
· Project Alliance Mobile Crisis Response Team, Crisis Network and 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline ($6.1 million)
· Opioid Response and Overdose Prevention Initiative ($565,000)
· Early Childhood Mental Health Services ($737,892)
EMERGENCY SERVICES
The Westchester County Department of Emergency Services has a total of $13 million in the County’s Operating Budget. This includes:
· EMS mutual aid support $3.3 million
· Ongoing Threat Assessment Management (TAM) Operations
· Two additional staff for Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and to coordinate volunteers for Hazmat incidents
PARKS & RECREATION
Total amount in the Budget for Parks and Recreation is $60.3 million. A combined $28 million has been slotted for structural improvements at the Ice Casino and Playland Amusement Park. Additionally, $7 million has been allocated for Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center, and $3.3 million for Cranberry Lake Preserve improvements.
Latimer said: “As the construction of the County’s historic investment in Playland continues, we look toward other park facilities that have suffered from underinvestment in the past.”
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
The total amount allotted for the Human Rights Commission in the Budget is $1.3 million. This includes an additional investigator.
YOUTH BUREAU
Total Youth Bureau funding is $4.7 million dollars. Among the new initiatives is an expansion of the Invest-In-Kids program to $250K.
