(November 7, 2024) Westchester County Executive George Latimer presented his seventh budget proposal to the Westchester County Board of Legislators, unveiling a $2.5 billion plan that prioritizes vital services for County residents, while upholding fiscal responsibility. The 2025 Proposed County Operating Budget maintains the same tax levy as 2024 for the County General Fund, marking the sixth consecutive year without an increase.
Latimer said: “The proposed 2025 budget reflects our dedication to responsible financial management while maintaining freezing tax rates for the last six budgets. This budget prioritizes key areas such as public safety, emergency preparedness, housing, health and mental health services, as well as environmental and economic development programs.”
Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “This budget underscores this administration’s commitment to meeting community needs through robust funding for essential programs and services. Key initiatives will continue to receive support, reflecting a balanced approach that safeguards resident services without adding to the tax burden.”
This budget comes on the heels of Westchester County being recognized by Fitch Ratings with a prestigious “AAA” credit rating, S&P Global Ratings revising its outlook on the County from stable to positive and affirming its “AA+” long-term rating on the County’s existing general obligation bonds, and Moody’s Investors Service affirming the County’s credit position as “Aa1 stable.”
Other key measures supporting the County’s fiscal health include adequately preparing for labor contracts, avoiding borrowing for operating expenses, refraining from using the fund balance and maintaining cash flow without borrowing.
Nonprofit Westchester Executive Director Jan Fisher said: “The proposed 2024 budget clearly reflects a strong commitment to responsible fiscal policies and key investments that fortify Westchester County. Importantly, the budget includes needed programs that benefit all residents and businesses, while maintaining the same property tax levy as 2024 and impressive independent credit ratings. Nonprofit Westchester commends the County Executive on another year of advancing social responsibility and economic stability.”
Westchester County Association President & CEO Michael N. Romita said: “The proposed 2025 budget invests in our economy and our communities while holding the line on taxes and maintaining a strong bond rating. We are particularly pleased to see targeted support for housing, regional talent demands, behavioral health, public safety and climate resiliency. These are all key factors for our businesses and their workers. Westchester continues to lead with a steady and responsible fiscal hand.”
Business Council of Westchester President and CEO Dr. Marsha Gordon said: “The Business Council of Westchester (BCW) the County’s largest business membership organization focusing on economic development and advocacy appreciates County Executive Latimer’s administration’s efforts to present a balanced budget that once again maintains the County’s tax levy as they did last year, making this the sixth consecutive year without a levy increase. We are also pleased that the County continues to preserve its important credit rating, as it will once again receive ‘AAA’ credit rating from Fitch Ratings. This designation of a stable rating sends a strong message to the business community that Westchester County’s fiscal house is in order.”
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The 2025 budget places a significant emphasis on the need for fair and affordable housing. The County will be launching the Office of Housing Counsel to provide grants for legal services and eviction diversion. Also, $50 million has been allocated for affordable housing development. Additionally, we are continuing funding for various housing subsidy and eviction prevention programs including $500 thousand for on-call planning consultants to expedite implementation of affordable housing and flood mitigation projects.
Westchester County Planning Commissioner Blanca López said: “This budget continues the County’s commitment to the creation and preservation of affordable housing and support for our municipalities to address flood mitigation and resiliency.”
The Building & Realty Institute of Westchester CEO Tim Foley said: “Few counties across New York State can claim the level of investment in housing affordability over the past several years that Westchester can. The proposed budget builds on strategies with a proven track record, like the New Lands Acquisition fund for affordable housing, the Housing Infrastructure Fund, and the Office of Housing Counsel, which can facilitate settlements in disputes between tenants and property owners, keeping both parties out of the morass of housing court. At a time when housing is one of the top affordability concerns nationwide, the proposed budget puts the concerns of current and future homeowners and renters front and center.”
The County will also be enhancing the Fair Housing Community programming through the revitalized Human Rights Commission.
PUBLIC SAFETY & PROBATION & EMERGENCY SERVICES
The proposed 2025 budget is the fourth consecutive budget that provides record funding of $303 million for public safety. Funding consists of:
- $78 million for County Police
- $161 million for Department of Correction
- $46 million for Probation
- $18 million for Emergency Services
Department of Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Raynor said: “This proposed budget ensures that the Department of Public Safety will continue to be fully staffed and able to provide the uniformed and investigative services that are critical to keeping Westchester safe. It enables us to fulfill our primary responsibilities and also provide vital support to municipal police departments in our County. I am grateful to the County Executive for the support he continually demonstrates for our Department and its officers.”
The budget also includes funding for a new class of correction officers and 308 sworn police officers.
Correction Commissioner Joe Spano said: “The 2025 budget funds WDOC at a level that prioritizes the safety of our employees and incarcerated individuals in our care. The commencement of a new correction officer academy in January enables us to safely comply with the New York State Commission of Correction staffing mandates. Keeping pace with our staffing requirements directly impacts overall facility operations, and quality of life for both our employees and residents”.
Funding is continued for the highly successful HERRO Program, which provides recruitment and retention incentives to assist local volunteer emergency service agencies.
Department of Emergency Services Commissioner Richard Wishnie said: “The critically acclaimed HERRO Program has become a model for first responder agencies and supporting County governments throughout the state. County Executive Latimer and his administrative team have taken real substantive and successful action in addressing the shortage of first responders in Westchester County.”
The Threat Assessment Management (TAM) Team in the Department of Public Safety was created to prevent targeted violence through a collaborative team approach.
Additionally, Westchester County continues its strong commitment to programs and services to assist victims of Domestic Violence with over $5 million for legal, therapeutic, medical and training programs.
HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH
This budget continues the partnerships with Federal Qualified Health Center networks, Project Alliance—a multipronged program to address the needs of Westchester County residents with behavioral health challenges.
Department of Community Mental Health Commissioner Michael Orth said: “Under the leadership of County Executive Latimer, and with strong collaboration among our County Departments of Public Safety, Emergency Services and Community Mental Health, Project Alliance has transformed the way Westchester County supports residents experiencing a psychiatric crisis. By training law enforcement and first responders and establishing Mobile Crisis Teams throughout Westchester, we’ve developed a responsive system that addresses the mental health needs of our community and connects individuals to essential resources.”
Additionally, the County is developing a Mental Health Outpatient Clinic at 112 East Post road in White Plains.
Orth continued: “During this period of increased demand, a pilot program to expand outpatient clinic capacity will help residents access timely and effective mental health care. We commend County Executive Latimer for prioritizing access to these crucial mental health services.”
The County Health Department will also be continuing the community vaccination clinics in partnership with the Yonkers School District, and establishing a lead rental registry to protect Westchester families.
County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “We are proud that the 2025 budget includes new measures to improve the health of County residents across the lifespan, from birth through retirement and beyond, while providing vaccines for students and expanding protections for our families.”
Dollars are also being allocated for the telehealth program for seniors and the maternal mortality community programs.
Westchester Community Health Center (WCHC) Chief Executive Officer Judith Watson said: “The WCHC applauds County Executive Latimer for his strong leadership in presenting yet another thoughtful budget. This budget prioritizes Westchester’s most vulnerable residents, ensuring they have access to essential, high-quality, comprehensive, and affordable health care services, delivered with dignity and respect for all.”
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM
To further the County’s efforts on the area of economic development, the 2025 budget provides for continued MWBE technical assistance and procurement fairs, programs for expansion of the local biosciences sector, support for entrepreneurs and workforce development programs in healthcare and clean energy.
Westchester County Economic Development Director Bridget Gibbons said: “With the 2025 budget, Westchester County continues to strengthen its commitment to inclusive economic growth. By investing in MWBE technical assistance, expanding opportunities for our entrepreneurs, and supporting workforce development in healthcare and clean energy, we’re building a resilient, diverse economy that benefits all our residents.”
The Office of Tourism and Film will further support Westchester County’s hotels, restaurants and attractions the continued support is expected to drive increased revenue, job creation and expanded opportunities for the County’s tourism partners.
ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES
Environment and climate resiliency initiatives include the Municipal EV charging grant program, Climate Action Council’s planning institute technical assistance for NYS grants for municipalities, expansion of free compost giveaway days, continuation of the municipal food waste program and institution of several new recycling programs including fats, oil and grease (FOGs) recycling at the Household Material Recovery Facility.
Director of Energy Conservation and Sustainability Peter McCartt said: “The County is ever constant on adding sustainable infrastructure, programs, and initiatives for our government operations as well as for our municipal partners and the residents of Westchester. We truly are on the forefront of innovative measures that help the businesses, towns, and people here in New York State and the U.S. for the betterment of the local and global environment.”
Executive Director of Sustainable Westchester, Inc. Noam Bramson said: “The proposed 2025 budget builds on Westchester County’s impressive record of environmental leadership through both ongoing and new initiatives. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership in support of clean energy, green workforce development, waste reduction, and other critical objectives that improve the health, vitality, fairness, and sustainability of our region.”
Additionally, 304 of the County’s fleet of 325 buses are now electric-hybrid or fully electric greatly reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. The remaining 21 diesel buses will be replaced with electric-hybrid or fully electric buses in 2025. Over 600 new EV chargers are in process of being installed all across the County for public use.
CHILD CARE AND FOOD SECURITY
The 2025 Budget also addresses affordable child care and food security. The County has earmarked, $78 million for childcare subsidies, an increase of $22 million from the prior year.
Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc. Executive Director Kathleen Halas said: “Once again, Westchester County demonstrates its leadership on child care with a continued historic investment. Recognizing that child care costs pose a serious challenge for many household budgets, Westchester County has significantly reduced the affordability barrier, enabling many more parents to enter and remain in the jobs on which we all depend such as healthcare, education, hospitality, retail and more. On behalf of the parents who can go to work confident that their children are also safe, cared for and learning, thank you!”
This budget continues funding for food pantries to address food security.
Feeding Westchester President & CEO Karen C. Erren said: “Feeding Westchester is so grateful for our ongoing partnership with Westchester County and their unwavering support for our community. Thank you County Executive George Latimer, Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins and team, for always making the people of Westchester the top priority. That helps to ensure that we, alongside our pantry partners throughout the County, continue to put nutritious food on the tables for the more than 229,000 neighbors in need that we serve each month.”
Press release taken from Westchester County’s website: https://www.westchestergov.com/home/all-press-releases/10291-westchester-county-executive-george-latimer-unveils-2025-proposed-operating-budget