WHITE PLAINS – The Westchester County Board’s Budget & Appropriations Committee restored funding for key programs and services provided by non-profit agencies that legislators agreed either should have been funded or were underfunded in the County Executive’s proposed 2009 budget. 

“We added money to ensure the continuation of key services benefiting county residents. These services are provided by non-profit contract agencies that represent an important part of our service delivery system,” said County Board Chair Bill Ryan (D-I-WF, White Plains).

Ryan said the public had spoken clearly, both at public hearings and with individual legislators, that they did not want to see cutbacks in “safety net” services for the county’s most vulnerable citizens.

“The economy makes the budgeting process more difficult but we need to get through it preserving our important programs and not hurting those who need our help,” said Ryan. “A tough economy only increases the need for safety net services that are part of the county’s core mission to provide.” 

Programs slated for additional funding include neighborhood health centers; funding for child care; early childhood services and mental healthcare; assistance to victims of domestic violence; eviction prevention assistance; youth services; immigrant outreach for health, education, housing and employment; and, legal aid for the indigent.

The Budget Committee also added funding to bolster programs involving public safety and security; environmental protection; economic development; arts and culture; libraries; and, government internal auditing.

County Legislator José Alvarado (D-Yonkers), Chair of the Budget Committee, said legislators were able to offset the restorations with additional revenues.

“After restoring programs and adding additional revenues, we were able to reduce the County Executive’s proposed tax levy of 2.97% down to 2.9%,” Alvarado said. “Ordinarily, on ‘add’s day’, you would expect to see a temporary increase in the tax rate but we worked to make sure we kept the rate moving in the right direction.”

Alvarado noted that the rest of the week will be spent scrutinizing the expense side of the County Executive’s budget. “Cuts will be made and we’re looking to reduce the tax rate further,” said Alvarado. 

The Budget Committee will meet again on December 8 to consider budget reductions.