Westchester County Executive George Latimer Signs 2025 County Budget
Westchester County Executive George Latimer Signed 2025 Budget Proposal Prioritizing Vital Services and Fiscal Responsibility
On December 11, Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed his seventh and last County budget, presenting a $2.5 billion plan that prioritizes critical services for Westchester residents while upholding fiscal responsibility. For the sixth consecutive year, the budget does not raise the tax levy for the County General Fund, avoiding an increase for 2025.
Latimer said: “This 2025 budget reflects our commitment to balancing financial responsibility with investments in key areas. By freezing tax rates for 2025, we’ve ensured that Westchester residents continue receiving the services they depend on while maintaining strong fiscal health. From public safety to affordable housing, health services and environmental initiatives, this budget demonstrates Westchester County’s ability to meet the needs of its residents while maintaining fiscal discipline.”
Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “This budget highlights our administration’s commitment to meeting community needs without adding to the tax burden. Through strategic investments, we are addressing housing, safety, health, and economic development while safeguarding our fiscal integrity.”
Chairman Vedat Gashi said: “We listened to County residents and responded with a budget that prioritizes vital services for those most in need. This budget supports vulnerable residents while protecting taxpayers and our fiscal future. Thank you to the County Executive for working with the legislature to deliver another solid, balanced budget.”
Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson said: “As Chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, I’m proud to present a sound and balanced 2025 County Budget. Despite the challenges of a tight fiscal environment, we’ve succeeded in keeping a property tax increase for the general operating budget at bay for the sixth consecutive year. This budget sustains critical funding for the childcare scholarship program at the same level as last year while prioritizing new affordable housing projects and flood mitigation projects. It reflects our unwavering commitment to quality-of-life issues and to making Westchester a safe, more affordable, and more livable county for all residents.”
Majority Leader Tyrae Woodson-Samuels said: “This budget reflects our focus on protecting taxpayers, supporting our most vulnerable residents, and maintaining fiscal responsibility to ensure all Westchester residents are being served fairly, sustainably and equitably. I’m proud that, at a time of economic challenges, we crafted a balanced budget and preserved a zero percent increase to the County property tax levy.”
Vice Chair José I. Alvarado said: “Creating a plan that addresses the diverse needs of our residents is a year-round effort. As Vice Chair, I’m proud to endorse this budget which demonstrates financial accountability and our deep commitment to the well-being of the people of Westchester. By emphasizing housing, childcare, and public safety, the 2025 County Budget will create lasting benefits for our community.”
Majority Whip Terry Clements said: “The 2025 County Budget reflects our shared commitment to both fiscal responsibility and the priorities of Westchester families. With targeted investments in housing, childcare, and public safety, I’m proud to support a budget that will benefit our community now and into the future.”
Strengthening Fiscal Health
The budget reflects Westchester County’s strong financial standing, backed by high credit ratings from Fitch (“AAA”), S&P Global Ratings (“AA+” with a positive outlook), and Moody’s (“Aa1 stable”). Key fiscal strategies include:
• Preparing adequately for labor contracts.
• Avoiding borrowing for operating expenses.
• Refraining from using fund balance reserves.
• Maintaining cash flow without borrowing.
Affordable Housing
The 2025 budget dedicates $50 million for affordable housing development and establishes the new Office of Housing Counsel to support legal services and eviction diversion. Additional funding supports housing subsidies, eviction prevention programs, and flood mitigation efforts.
Public Safety and Emergency Services
A record $303 million has been allocated for public safety, with funding for:
• $78 million for County Police.
• $161 million for the Department of Correction.
• $46 million for Probation.
• $18 million for Emergency Services.
The budget also supports new correction officer classes, 308 sworn police officers, and the HERRO recruitment and retention program for emergency services.
Health and Mental Health
The County is expanding mental health services with a new outpatient clinic in White Plains and ongoing behavioral health programs like Project Alliance. Other investments include community vaccination clinics, telehealth services for seniors, and maternal mortality initiatives.
Economic Development and Tourism
Economic growth is bolstered by programs supporting MWBEs, local entrepreneurs, biosciences, and clean energy workforce development. The Office of Tourism and Film continues to promote the County’s attractions, creating jobs and increasing revenue.
Environmental Initiatives
Environmental and climate programs include EV charging grants for municipalities, compost giveaways, expanded recycling efforts, and technical assistance for climate resiliency planning.
Child Care and Food Security
The County is increasing childcare subsidies by $24 million to a total of $80 million and maintaining funding for food pantries to address food security.