Westchester officials work to address budget shortfall

<p>Westchester officials are working to address the county's budget shortfall.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 26, 2018, 10:27 PM

Updated 2,129 days ago

Share:

Westchester officials are working to address the county's budget shortfall.
"We are clearly in a budget crisis," says County Executive George Latimer. "One of the hallmarks of the prior administration was not to raise property taxes over seven years -- there is a cost for that."
That cost has amounted to a roughly $32 million deficit. Latimer says the failed county airport plan accounts for about $20 million and closed union contracts add in about $9 million more, along with smaller expenses.
As for the shortfall affecting taxpayers, Latimer says it does not necessarily mean there will be a property tax increase -- at least not yet.
"We're going to try and work through other revenue streams we have," he says.
Ben Boykin, chairman of Westchester County Board of Legislators, says legislators will have to work together to find solutions that protect taxpayers.
"We've been left in a financial mess we did not create," he says.
County leaders are now left to examine ways to increase revenue, like the potential of an internet sales tax and even shared services.
The county aims to come up with a plan to deal with the deficit within the next 60 days.


More from News 12
2:29
Traffic delays and road closures expected as Irvington set to host President Joe Biden today

Traffic delays and road closures expected as Irvington set to host President Joe Biden today

1:47
Sunny and pleasant today, freeze warnings overnight

Sunny and pleasant today, freeze warnings overnight

1:07
Schools in Westchester County announce early dismissals ahead of President Biden's visit

Schools in Westchester County announce early dismissals ahead of President Biden's visit

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

0:22
Police: 29-year-old man dies after burning incident at Warwick Park

Police: 29-year-old man dies after burning incident at Warwick Park

1:49
Human remains unearthed during drainage work in Putnam County

Human remains unearthed during drainage work in Putnam County

2:30
Biden campaign reports blockbuster fundraising hauls ahead of visit

Biden campaign reports blockbuster fundraising hauls ahead of visit

0:23
Westchester DA: Ex-Mamaroneck library employee stole over $40,000 from library

Westchester DA: Ex-Mamaroneck library employee stole over $40,000 from library

0:42
Yonkers Spano releases proposed budget for 2025

Yonkers Spano releases proposed budget for 2025

1:54
State budget excludes aid for Orange County storm victims, lawmakers criticize Gov. Hochul

State budget excludes aid for Orange County storm victims, lawmakers criticize Gov. Hochul

1:52
Final negotiations on Carmel schools' budget linger late into the night

Final negotiations on Carmel schools' budget linger late into the night

0:40
Hochul: $33 million allocated to mental health in the state budget to expand services for felons

Hochul: $33 million allocated to mental health in the state budget to expand services for felons

0:31
Yonkers official calls for protection of city’s war memorial from graffiti, vandalism

Yonkers official calls for protection of city’s war memorial from graffiti, vandalism

2:07
​Officials hope to implement noise cameras to combat loud noise from street racing in Greenburgh

​Officials hope to implement noise cameras to combat loud noise from street racing in Greenburgh

0:36
Police: Father pleads guilty to string of burglaries from 2022

Police: Father pleads guilty to string of burglaries from 2022

0:28
President Biden's visit prompts early dismissals in Westchester schools

President Biden's visit prompts early dismissals in Westchester schools

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

0:31
Mount St. Mary College welcomes new president

Mount St. Mary College welcomes new president

0:57
Airlines will now be required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled and delayed flights

Airlines will now be required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled and delayed flights