Referendum to Increase County Budget Review Time on Ballot
The Board of Legislators last week approved a resolution placing a countywide referendum on this year’s general election ballot, November 3, that would require the county executive provide lawmakers more time to review the following year’s budget.
Approval of the proposition would amend the County Charter mandating that the capital projects portion of the annual budget be released no later than Oct. 15 and the operating budget be given to the Board of Legislators by Nov. 10. Currently, the deadline for submission is Nov. 15 for the entire budget.
Board Chairman Michael Kaplowitz (D-Somers) said a referendum is needed because the charter states that if any elected official’s powers are diminished it requires voter approval. Giving the county executive less time is considered a reduction in power.
However, Kaplowitz said the measure that was unanimously approved on Sept. 8 received bipartisan support because all officials recognized that more time was needed for budget review. Although the capital budget typically accounts for $150 million to $200 million of a $1.8 billion budget, it is one of the budget’s most critical elements, Kaplowitz said.
He added that getting five extra days to review the remainder of the spending plan would help.
“Five days doesn’t sound like much but in the context of a month and a half, getting an extra business week makes this an important change,” he said.
Last week’s resolution to schedule the referendum was one of a series of recommendations proposed by the Charter Revision Committee, although it had suggested giving the board even more time.
The Westchester County Association, a leading business group, applauded the lawmakers’ willingness to entertain the change.
“The Westchester County Association has long advocated for additional review time for the county budget and feels providing additional time is in the best interest of the businesses and citizens of Westchester County,” President Marissa Brett said in a statement.
Martin has more than 30 years experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, including a frequent focus on zoning and planning issues. He has been editor-in-chief of The Examiner since its inception in 2007. Read more from Martin’s editor-author bio here. Read Martin’s archived work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/martin-wilbur2007/
