44°
The total spending increase would be paid for through expected revenue from a forthcoming operations deal at Playland Amusement Park, savings found in another child-care program and a reduction in staff spending already proposed in the budget.
Enrollment in the Title XX child-care program has been frozen since 2010. The board's spending addition will increase program enrollment to approximately 400 slots, which some residents and child care advocates stated at the last two public budget hearings as being necessary to meet community needs.
“It’s important that the 2014 County Budget provide a crucial umbrella of protection for the lives of Westchester residents and our natural resources,” County Board Chairman Ken Jenkins (D-Yonkers) said in a statement. “We have focused on balancing the needs of our residents and making decisions that are fiscally responsible in these budget additions. I’m confident that they’ll be part of the final budget negotiations with the Administration.”
The two professional positions the board is seeking to restore are the director of Water Agency and Environmental Project director, both of which are involved with the county’s responsibility in complying with federal law requiring the maintenance of a safe public drinking water system.
The board's Budget & Appropriations Committee will consider deletions to the proposed 2014 budget on Friday, Dec. 6, and a special meeting of the full board will be held on Monday, Dec. 9, to consider adopting the 2014 budget.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Peekskill and receive free news updates.
