Photo courtesy of Westchester County Government
Westchester County Executive George Latimer delivers positive remarks on the County and his proposed goals for 2021.
While COVID-19 has taken a toll on every aspect in the community, Westchester County proves its strength to rise above the hardships and plans to restore and rebuild Westchester better than it was before, according to County Executive George Latimer, who last week delivered his fourth State of the County Address in the Legislative Chambers of the Board of Legislators. Latimer reflected on the County’s goals and objectives as the world slowly reveals signs of normalcy.
Latimer prided himself on his promise to cut County property taxes for the second year in a row, even in the midst of the crippling pandemic. He signed the 2021 budget maintaining all County services, cutting expenditure by $15.7 million dollars, and increasing the County’s fund balance to more than $200 million dollars – the largest fund balance in the County’s history.
Latimer also highlighted several initiatives, including a 2020 budget that closed with no layoffs, no furloughs, no services cuts, or borrowing for pensions costs. The County is also working to strengthen the Westchester County Human Rights Commission, add a new compost & education center, appoint new leadership within the County departments, and plan for a dozen in-progress or approved infrastructure projects.
Latimer stressed his empathy with the County as he touched upon his own personal upbringing. “We have worked every day for you, and I mean that. I know what it is like to struggle, I know what it is like to have mom and dad worried at the kitchen table about bills. I know because I have lived it,” says Latimer.
Latimer closed by reflecting on the many challenges the County has faced and promised to continue to work for the people of Westchester. “We have a long way to go, my friends. We still aren’t all the way back, but, ladies and gentlemen, we are getting there and we are united to move forward,” says Latimer.
Read the 2021 State of the County Address.
