Despite the devastating financial effects of the pandemic, Westchester County Executive George Latimer presented his $2 billion budget proposal for 2021.

The proposal cuts the county tax levy by $1 million for the second year in a row.

Overall, the budget is $16 million less than in 2020, but doesn't cut any essential services.

It includes more than $10 million for economic development, housing assistance and food insecurity programs.

Westchester is also relying on millions in federal funds from the Families First and CARES acts to take care of certain expenses.

Latimer says his team had a lot to balance to make this budget work.

The County Board of Legislators will begin reviewing the budget on Thursday with public hearings scheduled over the next month.

It must approve a budget by the end of the year.