PUT MED CENTER MONEY TO GOOD USE
Minority Conference calls for county to help taxpayers with $70M windfall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 8, 2007

Contact: George Oros
Tel: (914) 995-2828
Goo6@westchestergov.com

The Republican Conference of the Board of Legislators is strongly suggesting that the $70 million the county recently received from Westchester Medical Center be returned in some way to taxpayers.

According to published reports, the Medical Center paid off debt for capital improvements, malpractice claims and other expenses in two separate payments to the county, the last being $40 million in March.

Instead of simply putting the money in the general fund, the six members of the Republican Conference feel the $70 million should be used as either a rebate to taxpayers or to reduce the county’s deficit.

Minority Leader George Oros (R-C/Cortlandt) said it’s a golden opportunity for the county to provide some relief to taxpayers.

“Westchester residents pay the highest property taxes in the nation. They deserve a break, and this money from the Medical Center can be used as a sign of good faith that we at the county are looking out for their best interests,” Oros said.

“How often do we get a chance like this to hold down taxes?” said Legislator Gordon Burrows (R-C/Yonkers). “We should not waste the money on office supplies, unneeded positions or other non-essential expenses.”

Legislator Jim Maisano (R-C/New Rochelle) said the Medical Center funds could help keep county taxes steady in 2008.

“I would like to see a budget without a tax increase, a budget that I could finally vote for,” he said, noting he has voted against every budget over the last six years.

Legislators Sue Swanson, Ursula LaMotte and Bernice Spreckman joined their GOP colleagues in calling for the entire Board of Legislators to do the right thing with the $70 million Medical Center windfall.

“This gives us a chance to show our constituents that we mean business in keeping spending under control at the county,” Swanson said.

Oros noted that the Republican conference is “not wed to any particular idea for tax relief.” However he noted they would oppose “any spending increase with the funds.”

“Property tax rebate, elimination of the sales tax on clothing, gasoline and home heating oil or a combination of reduction of these taxes is what we want to see,” said the minority leader.