October 30, 2019 – At the home of small business owner and Westchester County taxpayer, County Executive George Latimer unveiled his plan for the soon to be released 2020 Operating Budget – in that plan a property tax cut.
Latimer said: “We made a commitment to freeze County property taxes, and now we can go a bit further. This is the first time, in almost a decade that a County Executive has proposed a budget that reduces the County property tax levy. This budget is about the people who live in Westchester County, it is about giving them some relief, and making their County the best it can be – by providing services and programs taxpayers rely on while placing the County back onto solid financial ground.”
The announcement was made at the home of Monica and Matthew Marone. Matthew owns and operates Westchester Milk, a small business that delivers milk and other food items based in White Plains.
Greenburgh residents Matt and Monica Marone said: "We thank County Executive George Latimer for thinking of the families in Westchester County like ours where every dollar counts. We own a small business and love living in Westchester. Every dollar we save in taxes will be spent back in the community - this is a win-win for everyone. "
For the 2020 Budget, the County will also have no one shot deals, a step in the right direction to restore the County’s once sterling Triple A Bond rating. Further, Latimer outlined that this budget would build up our reserves – reserves that were nearly depleted by the last administration. Latimer has directed that $10 Million dollars be added to our “rainy day fund” – bringing it up to $79 Million - a 23 percent increase over just one year ago.
Finally, this budget features zero borrowing for operating expenses. All ongoing expenses, including pension obligations and tax certioraris, will be paid through the Operating Budget - not borrowed. A move that in the long run this saves taxpayer dollars.
The full Operating Budget will be unveiled at a press conference on Nov. 8.