White Plains, NY - Previous four years of structural budget reform and smart spending now paying dividends for taxpayers and those who use county services
The Republican caucus of the Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL) announced on Friday that based on their review of the 2015 Westchester County Budget thus far, the BOL will pass a budget that delivers no tax increase for the fifth straight year, does not draw down the reserve fund and increases aid to non-profits and protects social services.
One week into the review of the proposed 2015 budget, the BOL Budget and Appropriations Committee, Chaired by Legislator Sheila Marcotte (R) Eastchester, New Rochelle, Tuckahoe, have met every day with Commissioners and Department Heads to discuss operations and planning related to the 2015 budget.
On Wednesday night, Legislators attended the first of three public hearings on the budget at New Rochelle City Hall. Approximately 35 speakers representing various interests including the child care industry, youth bureaus and the Legal Aid Society spoke to the Legislators about their financial needs and the merits of their organizations.
Following the hearing Budget and Appropriations Committee Chair, Legislator Sheila Marcotte said, “I’m glad for this opportunity to hear from our partners in the non-profit sector about their needs and how county funding helps them fulfill their mission to serve the public. The County Executive’s budget proposes increases in funding to non-profits which protects the social safety net.”
After five days of meetings with Commissioners and Department Heads, Marcotte said, “The testimony offered by county government officials regarding their departments’ funding levels indicate that the proposed budget is a sound spending plan that adequately addresses costs balanced against very responsible revenue projections.”
BOL Vice Chairman Legislator Jim Maisano will be voting on his 17th county budget, “I have worked on some very difficult budgets over the years and often the minority party does not get much consideration in the process.” Maisano added, “The bipartisan coalition that we have formed has resulted in a very fair and open budget process that will ultimately yield a spending plan that protects those in our communities who utilize important social services while protecting the reserve fund and our taxpayers by avoiding a tax increase.”
One of the toughest aspects of the 2015 budget for the Republican Legislators is the amortization of $15 million in pension costs. The cost of pensions is something the county cannot control. In 2011, the pension bill for Westchester was $69 million. In 2013 it skyrocketed to $101 million. The 2015 pension costs are projected at $91 million.
Minority Leader, Legislator John Testa (R) Peekskill, Cortlandt, Yorktown, served for six years as Mayor of the City of Peekskill and said that every municipality and regional government must wrestle the same huge cost driver in their budgets which is rising labor costs, specifically pension payments and healthcare costs. “As a former Mayor, I understand the impact that rising pension costs have on our budgets. Unfortunately, under the 2% tax cap, State Government offers a ‘Hobson’s choice’ when it comes to financing these payments, either pay the pension increase upfront which would result in massive layoffs of county workers and significantly diminished services or accept the state dictated financing option.” Testa added, “While I prefer not to enter into Governor Cuomo’s ‘pension smoothing’ finance plan, the option of cutting hundreds of county jobs or adding to Westchester taxpayers crushing tax burden is simply untenable.”
Minority Whip, Legislator Gordon A. Burrows (R) Bronxville, Yonkers, has worked on budgets on the Yonkers City Council and then the BOL for the last 19 years. Burrows says the 2015 budget is one that should receive broad support. “Based on what we’ve heard in budget meetings over the past week, I believe we will be able to work with the BOL Democrats and the County Executive to pass a responsible budget that protects taxpayers and provides the high level of services that our residents deserve. As the economy continues its slow recovery and revenue projections show modest increases, it is important that we adhere to the principles of fiscal discipline and smart spending which have enabled us to deliver five consecutive budgets with no tax increases.”
Legislator Michael Smith (R) Mount Pleasant, Northcastle, Pleasantville is a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committee and in his professional capacity serves as Chief Financial Officer for a major educational institution. Legislator Smith said, “We remain committed to the County Executive’s mission to make living in Westchester more affordable. This budget continues the pattern of economic growth and jobs for our citizens.”
Legislator Bernice Spreckman (R) Yonkers, Mount Vernon, said, “This budget is one that we should all be able to support. Funding is increased to our non-profits that support programs for our youth and seniors and there is no tax increase or layoffs. This is a good spending plan for Westchester residents.”
Legislator David Gelfarb (R) Harrison, Port Chester, Rye Brook, said, “This budget will ensure that there is no increase in taxes while still providing essential services to taxpayers, including our neediest citizens, and avoiding any layoffs of county employees.”
The Budget and Appropriations Committee resumed meetings at 10AM on Monday. The meeting calendar and links to video of past meetings are available on the BOL website at;
http://westchestercountyny.iqm2.com/Citizens/Calendar.aspx?View=Calendar
There are two public hearings scheduled for November 25th at 7PM in the Somers High School Auditorium, 120 Primrose St. and on December 3rd at 7PM at the BOL Chambers, 148 Martine Ave., 8th floor, White Plains.
