Latimer Signs $2.1 Billion 2021 Budget For Westchester

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Westchester County's official budget for 2021 reduced the tax levy by $1 million for the second year in a row.

County Executive George Latimer signed the $2.1 billion budget Wednesday.

He said the budget kept his promise to not only cut taxes but also maintain all county services, according to a news release.

Expenditures were reduced by $15.7 million, officials said.

After signing the spending package, Latimer said that 2020 has tested the residents of the county like never before.

"We have seen things this year that I pray we never see again," he said in a prepared statement. "However, I knew despite all the economic challenges, the last thing I could do right now is raise taxes."

The 2021 budget includes an additional $5 million each for economic development and housing assistance programs, $2 million for food insecurity and $1 million for emergency services response and personal protection equipment.

For 2021, the county projects the sales tax will grow to $695 million, which is $46 million below the current budget.

While Westchester was able to secure direct federal assistance under both the Families First and CARES acts, the 2021 budget does not assume any additional extraordinary federal assistance. It does, however, anticipate a 20 percent reduction in state aid for the county.

Before entering 2021, the 2020 budget year is slated to end with no layoffs, no furloughs, no service cuts and no borrowing for pension costs, Latimer said.