Yorktown Holds Down Spending in Adopted 2021 Budget
The Yorktown Town Board adopted a 2021 budget last week that minimizes spending despite an estimated $5.5 million loss in revenue stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.
The $60.8 million budget increased just $18,842 from the 2020 adopted budget and includes significant spending reduction in equipment, medical expenses, part-time salaries and retirement.
“We held the line on taxes and we pushed back,” said Supervisor Matt Slater. “We wanted to make sure that in these uncertain times we’re keeping the town as affordable as possible for homeowners and businesses.”
Revenue losses anticipated by the 2021 budget include $1 million in state grants and $180,000 in state aid to municipalities. In addition to less state aid, this year’s revenue losses were primarily from a drop in recreation fees, fines, bail and inspections.
“Our community has taken a severe hit from the coronavirus recession in terms of revenue for the town and residents,” said Councilman Ed Lachterman. “Early in the pandemic we recognized the severity of the financial downturn and we planned accordingly. This 2021 budget is a reflection of our planning.”
The new budget includes $600,000 for a relining of water pipes and $50,000 for increased road paving.
“The repaired drinking water pipes and extra road paving will benefit everyone in our community. I’m very happy that we can provide these services and keep our spending low,” said Councilman Vishnu Patel.
Yorktown enjoyed significant investment throughout 2020. Earlier this year Nestle Waters opened a distribution plant and town officials approved a new CVS drugstore. Developers have also proposed building a specialty grocer near Lowe’s, repurposing the former Toys ‘R’ Us building, building a new senior community center and transforming the former Soundview Preparatory School into housing.
“Our 2021 budget is a signal to our residents and to outside investors that we are serious about keeping our community affordable while overseeing a responsible redevelopment of Yorktown,” said Councilwoman Alice Roker. “I’m excited about the opportunities that will present themselves to our town in 2021.”
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/
