Westchester County Executive George Latimer has proposed a $6 million 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.
“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,” Latimer said. “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.”
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.
“The County has steadily improved its financial position while continuing to offer the services needed and sought out by its residents,” said Finance Commissioner Karin Hablow. “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
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
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Economic Development accounts for $6 million in the 2023 operating budget, with a focus on the Life Sciences, Tourism and Healthcare Sectors. This includes
$1.4 million for the Downtown Improvement Grant (DIG) Program. Economic Development Director Bridget Gibbons said: “We are grateful to the County Executive for making this investment in economic development to support our existing businesses and inspire the launch of new businesses in Westchester County. Life sciences companies, advanced manufacturing companies, startups and others are thriving here, and we are proud to provide training, education and other resources to support them.”
Tourism Director Natasha Caputo said: “The County’s hotel industry was hard hit by COVID, with hotel closures changing the type and size of business
we can handle. We have evolved tourism marketing efforts to attract leisure, business and meeting clientele that our hotels and tourism partners can serve well,
with the intention of prompting repeat business. Momentum with film industry business is strong.”
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)
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
Commissioner Richard Wishnie said: “This County Budget includes significant support of the first responder communities’ ability to provide state-of-the-art care in Westchester. Enhanced EMS services are a priority of County Executive Latimer, as is recruitment and retention of EMS and Fire Service members. Also supported is an emphasis on an all-hazards-approach of our office of emergency management as we begin to shift from Indian Point concerns, to a focus on
protecting our citizens from the effects of climate change.”
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. Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said: “We are focused on rebuilding and restoring our nationally accredited parks system, which is widely used by residents to maintain their physical and mental health. Park usage has grown since the beginning of the pandemic, and we are appreciative of the support we receive from the County and the County Executive.”
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
The total amount allotted for the Human Rights Commission in the Budget is $1.3 million. This includes an additional investigator. Human Rights Commission Executive Director Tejash Sanchala said: “The number of cases that the Human Rights Commission handles has increased significantly in recent years. The addition of another investigator will enable the Commission to more efficiently process and adjudicate complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, places of public accommodations and in certain hate-related matters. As a result, the Commission will be a greater resource to the community.”
YOUTH BUREAU
Total Youth Bureau funding is $4.7 million. Among the new initiatives is an expansion of the Invest-In-Kids program to $250,000. Youth Bureau Executive Director Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said: “Investments in the Youth Bureau, and its partners, began at the inception of the Latimer administration. From the CE’s first budget to present, there has been consistent and robust support of programs such as Invest in Kids that advance our efforts to improve the overall well-being of children, youth and families. We thank the County Executive for taking action through the budget to address the increased need for positive youth development opportunities.”
