Latimer Signs 2023 County Budget
On December 13, Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed his 2023 Westchester County Budget, cutting the County Property Tax Levy by $6 million dollars, flanked by members of the Westchester County Departments of Emergency Services, Corrections, Probation and Public Safety. The Budget was passed by the County Board of Legislators earlier in the day, bipartisan 17-0.
Latimer said, “I am signing this budget today and thinking of all the families who are preparing for the holidays – this budget is for them. We have cut taxes again and have done so while also expanding the programs and services they have come to depend on. I am proud of this budget, and our collaboration with the Board of Legislators; this is what honest and fair governing is, that is who we are as an administration and as a County.”
The total budget is $2.365 billion and includes Latimer’s fourth County property tax cut in a row.
Closing 2022 with projected
$65.9 million operating surplus
No borrowing for tax certs
No borrowing for pension
No use of fund balance
2023 Budget contains no
borrowing or one-shots
No borrowing for tax certs
No use of fund balance
No borrowing for cash flow
County Board of Legislators Chairwoman Catherine Borgia: “Westchester County is stronger and in a better state financially, and we are paying it forward to our residents. We’ve prioritized meaningful investments in areas that affect our constituents every day. Parents receiving subsidies can now pay less out of pocket to afford better quality childcare. We’re closing the digital divide by expanding internet access throughout the County. We’ve increased funding for community-based organizations providing services directly to those who need them. I am excited for all that we will accomplish in 2023 through mutual commitment and collaboration with the County Executive’s Office.”
Westchester County Legislator Terry Clements said: “As Chair of the Committee on Public Safety, we’ve identified the need to efficiently fund our public safety and law enforcement departments. Through this budget, we’ve added millions of dollars to the departments that will keep Westchester residents safe and secure.”
Finance Commissioner Karin Hablow said: “The County Executive has once again passed a balanced budget that includes a cut to the property tax levy. We, as a County, have greatly improved our financial position while continuing to offer the services needed and sought out by its residents. I want to thank County Executive Latimer and the Board of Legislators for passing a fiscally responsible budget that once again will position Westchester County as a financially stable entity for years to come.”
The 2023 Budget funds the Departments of Corrections, Public Safety, Probation and Emergency Services at the highest levels in Westchester County history:
• Correction $156.6 million
• Public Safety $59.1 million
• Probation $50.2 million
• Department of Emergency Services $13 million
Economic Development Director Bridget Gibbons said: “The County Executive’s consistent investment in economic development to support our existing businesses and inspire the launch of new businesses in Westchester creates a business-friendly environment in the County. Life sciences companies, advanced manufacturing companies, tech startups and others are thriving here, and we are proud to provide training, education and other resources to support them.”
The Budget allots $218.7 million for the County Health Department, that includes $1 million for maternal mortality. Additionally, the budget is expanding funding to Federally Qualified Health Centers/Neighborhood Health Centers by $1 million bringing the total to $3 million.
Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “Thank you to County Executive Latimer and the County Board of Legislators for allowing the Health Department in the 2023 Budget to refocus our attention on our core public health priorities and essential services aimed at improving the health of our communities.”
The 2023 Budget has $17.2 million for the Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH), specifically the Project Alliance Mobile Crisis Response Team, $6.1 million for Crisis Network and 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline, $565,000 for Opioid Response and Overdose Prevention Initiative and $737,892 Early Childhood Mental Health Services.