Chairman Jenkins Responds To County Executive Astorinos Budget Projections

7/22/2010 12:38:36 PM

(White Plains, NY) – In a statement released today, Westchester County Board Chairman Ken Jenkins responds to Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino’s budget projections for the rest of the year.

“Yesterday’s projections released by the County Executive continue to show progress for Westchester taxpayers, as it appears the Board-approved benefit reform package, the Board-recommended voluntary separation plan and the Board-initiated state retirement incentive will achieve $75 million dollars of savings for 2011.  There is a way to go, but with sales tax revenues exceeding projections for the fourth month in a row, there are positive signs that there will be additional revenue for Westchester and may allow us to stave off harsh and extreme budget cuts that can negatively affect our residents.

As we continue to work through these difficult times, things will not be the same.  The Legislature is also positioned to pass a property tax cap on the County tax levy of three percent or the annual rate of inflation, whichever is lower.  I do remain hopeful that the federal government will come through with its much-needed appropriations of FMAP funding for New York.  Difficult choices will still need to be made, as we balance fiscal responsibility with providing the services needed for our County residents.

The process of building the budget that the County Executive will present began June 15th, as required by the County Charter.  The County Executive has directed the departments to present budgets with savings of 20%.  The Legislature looks forward to receiving the County Executive’s proposed budget no later than November 15th.  Through the Budget and Appropriations Committee, the County Board will continue to monitor the 2010 budget, reviewing the actual expenditures of each department against the budget.  Westchester County Commissioners and department heads will continue to suggest additional savings plans and we remain committed to fiscal discipline, investing in our County through the Capital program, while reducing the size of County government to provide relief to our taxpayers.  I think that Westchester residents deserve to understand exactly what’s going on and the ends by which we hope to achieve true savings for taxpayers.”