Board of Legislators Approve, Latimer Signs $2.4B 2024 County Budget
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Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed the $2.4 billion 2024 Westchester County budget late Monday afternoon with no increase in tax levy for the fifth consecutive year.
The signing occurred after the Board of Legislators overwhelmingly approved the spending plan 14-2 during a special morning meeting. Legislators Catherine Parker and Damon Maher voting against the plan.
Latimer called it “a balanced, fiscally responsible budget that assists all residents.
“We offer support for the county’s most vulnerable residents by funding Federally Qualified Health Centers, helping children with special needs, providing safety net services and programs to address food insecurity, address the digital divide, workforce development, all while also supporting arts and cultural programs and addressing flooding across Westchester,” Latimer said.
Board Chair Vedat Gashi (D-Yorktown) said there was good collaboration between the lawmakers and the county executive, to maintain keeping taxes as manageable as possible and seeing the continuing upgrade to the count’s credit rating. Fitch recently moved Westchester to a AAA rating, the highest that can be achieved.
“We have done this by carefully managing resources to revive medium-term growth for county residents while improving public safety, transforming our mental healthcare system, protecting our environment and investing in our children’s future,” Gashi said.
Among the notable new programs and spending for the upcoming year, is the addition of a director of flood mitigation and resiliency and $500,000 on-call consultants to move along affordable housing and flood mitigation projects.
The county will also see the addition of a pilot program overseen by the Department of Community Mental Health to expand outpatient clinic capacity to address waitlist. Another $975,000 has been set aside for that program.
There will also be $50 million for new land acquisitions and infrastructure improvements to make a property suitable for the construction of new affordable housing. Up to another $50 million would be placed in an Affordable Housing Investment Flex Fund, which the county could use to close a funding gap that limits the development of affordable housing.
Another $20 million has been earmarked for electric vehicle charging infrastructure at county parking facilities and $5 million to help communities throughout Westchester enhance their charging capabilities through a grant program.
The budget received support from the board’s two non-Democrats, Margaret Cunzio (C-Mount Pleasant) and James Nolan (R-Bronxville).
Cunzio said this was the least contentious budget of the eight spending plans that she worked on and board members compromised for what is good for the entire county.
“There is something in there for all constituents of Westchester County,” Cunzio said.
Latimer commended the board for working with his office while also exercising restraint to make it a palatable budget.
“Their fiscal diligence played a crucial role in crafting and approving a budget that will undoubtedly enhance the prosperity of Westchester County,” he said.
Despite the 0 percent tax increase for the general budget, many residents will see a hike in taxes for next year. Many of the special districts, such as sewer and refuse, will have increases in 2024.
Martin has more than 30 years experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, including a frequent focus on zoning and planning issues. He has been editor-in-chief of The Examiner since its inception in 2007. Read more from Martin’s editor-author bio here. Read Martin’s archived work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/martin-wilbur2007/
