More than 200 Westchester County employees have voluntarily stepped down from their positions as part of a buyout deal offered by the county executive's office.

Eighty-eight workers from the Department of Social Services resigned, 23 from the Department of Public Works, 16 from the Department of Probation, 15 from the Department of Health Services and 78 in other county offices. 

Westchester County Executive George Latimer says they had to make cuts because of the debilitating budget loss from the pandemic.

Lionel Turner, president of CSEA Local 860, says some employees stepped down because they had 25 years or more of service. Turner says he's not sure if people will see a difference in county services right away, but believes they will eventually.

"If the county government and local governments do not receive any additional funding, we believe there's going to be more stuff down the pipe," says Turner.

The employees who stepped down will receive a $1,000 payment for every year of service. Latimer estimates the buyouts will bring $1 to $2 million in savings this year and between $6 to $10 million in 2021.