White Plains, NY — Board Chairman Ben Boykin has issued his 2020 Year-End Report.

The document, released Tuesday, looks back on Board of Legislators' actions in the second half of 2020 including unanimous passage of operating, capital and special district budgets for 2021 that respond to the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis. 

The operating budget cuts overall spending by $15.7 million and lowers the County property tax levy by $1 million while preserving essential services. It also adds millions for business development, food insecurity and housing support. The capital budget invest more than $260 million in new improvements to infrastructure, transportation and parks, supporting more than 2,000 permanent jobs in Westchester.

The report details other 2020 actions by the Board including approving around 530 units of affordable housing; establishing in law an LGBTQ Advisory Board for the County; recommending election changes and financing the purchase of new election equipment; investing in Playland and other parks, capping third-party food delivery fees, supporting for police reform, and more.

Boykin said, "2020 has been a year like no other in living memory. I am proud of the way County Executive George Latimer, this Board and the entire County government has worked together to serve the people of Westchester. In times of crisis, people turn to government for help and we cannot and will not let them down. We have continued to conduct the people's business, provide access to essential services and information, and pass legislation to benefit our residents, property taxpayers, consumers and small businesses. With vaccines beginning to rollout, better days are in front of us. We look forward to getting back to work next year knowing that the choices we make as we confront the consequences of the pandemic, will impact this County's well-being for a generation."

Read the report at https://www.westchesterlegislators.com/images/PDF/2020-year-end-report.pdf