RyeCity REVIEW THE
November 18, 2022 | Vol. 10, Number 46 | www.ryecityreview.com
Westchester County Executive George Latimer presents the 2023 operating budget alongside Deputy County Executive
Latimer proposes 2023 county operating budget
RAIN
GAME! Shepherd Griffiths carries the ball against Somers in the Class A Championship Game on Nov. 11. The Garnets fell to the Tuskers 45-13 at Mahopac High School. For story, see page 16. Photo/Mike Smith
Westchester County promotes Great American Smoke Out
The Westchester County Department of Health reminded residents that the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 17 is a great day to quit smoking or vaping. More people die from lung cancer than from any other type of cancer, and cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is underscored in November by the American Lung Association during Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
“If you are still smoking or vaping, I encourage you to join the Great American Smokeout and give your lungs a break from smoking,” Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said. “The sooner you quit, the better off your health will be. To stop using tobacco products, make a plan, set a date and tell the people around you so they can be supportive.” The American Cancer Society has promoted the third Thursday in November as the Great American Smokeout for more than 40 years. Residents can ask their doctor about prescription drugs that can
help, along with nicotine replacement therapy. They can join a support group and attend meetings in person or by phone. Help is available: · NY Smoker’s Quit Line – 1-866-697-8487 · Centers for Disease Control 1-800-QUIT-NOW · American Cancer Society support groups - 1-800-277-2345 · American Lung Association – to find a clinic near you, call 1-800-LUNGUSA · Nicotine-anonymous.org for telephone meetings
Westchester County Executive George Latimer has proposed a $6 million cut to the county property tax levy in a preview of his 2023 proposed operating budget. This is the fourth county property tax cut in a row presented by Latimer as county executive. “I have been all around this County; I have heard the stories from families who are feeling the strain of inflation- this budget is for them,” Latimer said. “We have once again cut taxes, and expanded the programs that the people of this County need. I am proud of this Budget, this is what honest and fair governing is, that is who we are as an administration.”
RATING AGENCIES The 2023 Budget increases the “rainy day fund” to about 19% of county operating expenditures—a bold way to stabilize the bond ratings for the county. “The County has steadily improved its financial position while continuing to offer the services needed and sought out by its residents,” said Finance Commissioner Karin Hablow. “The fiscally responsible budgets that the County Executive has proposed year after year will position Westchester County as a financially stable entity for years to come.”
PUBLIC SAFETY In a record setting year, the Department of Public Safety, Department of Corrections and Department of Probation are funded at the highest level they have ever been funded in Westchester County history—a total of $260.9 million. • Correction $156.6 million • Public Safety $59.1 million • Probation $45.2 million This allocation in the budget includes: • IT Coordinator and Crime Data Analyst for Public Safety • Three additional School Resource Officers in Katonah, North Salem and
Hendrick Hudson • New class of Corrections Officers included in budget for 2023
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Economic Development accounts for $6 million in the 2023 operating budget, with a focus on the Life Sciences, Tourism and Healthcare Sectors. This includes $1.4 million for the Downtown Improvement Grant (DIG) Program. Economic Development Director Bridget Gibbons said: “We are grateful to the County Executive for making this investment in economic development to support our existing businesses and inspire the launch of new businesses in Westchester County. Life sciences companies, advanced manufacturing companies, startups and others are thriving here, and we are proud to provide training, education and other resources to support them.” Tourism Director Natasha Caputo said: “The County’s hotel industry was hard hit by COVID, with hotel closures changing the type and size of business we can handle. We have evolved tourism marketing efforts to attract leisure, business and meeting clientele that our hotels and tourism partners can serve well, with the intention of prompting repeat business. Momentum with film industry business is strong.”
HEALTH & COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH The Westchester County Health Department accounts for $220.8 million in the Operating Budget, and $17.2 million for the Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH). Health Budget includes: • Maternal Mortality $1 million • Federally Qualified Health Centers / Neighborhood Health Centers expansion $1 million (total $3 million)
see BUDGET 3