Dear neighbor,
Today I joined my colleagues in adopting the City of Yonkers Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Budget in a 6 - 1 vote. This year’s budget process was different because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic requiring them to be held virtually for the first time in council history. Due to the tremendous negative impact that the pandemic has had on our city, it was important that this budget was passed on time to prevent the city from running out of money.
This budget calls for no cuts to city services and has no layoffs, while staying under the state-mandated 2% property tax cap. It also makes improvements to our water system, with zero water rate increases for residents in the upcoming year, and the creation of a tiered water rate system - something that protects residents by now charging commercial enterprises in Yonkers different rates than homeowners .
Additionally, funding has been included for a number of important projects and programs in the upcoming year. These include increased funding appropriations for pest control and renovations and repairs to many long-neglected parks throughout the city, funding to help combat teen pregnancies, and funding for school nurses and school resource officers.
Finally, the City Council will soon invest in a “good government” software system that is has been used by other governmental agencies like Westchester County and New York State for years. This will be used by the City Council and Clerks Office to modernize record-keeping, help speed up interdepartmental coordination, and increase transparency.
These are just a few of the positive developments that came out of this budget. I’ll be clear – this budget is not perfect – but for the reasons listed above and uncertain days ahead, I felt justified in supporting it. During this time of uncertainty, it’s important that our residents still get all of the help that they are entitled to. I urge extreme caution over the next few months, and while this part of the process is over, we still have a lot of work to do.
As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to send us an email at councilpresident@yonkersny.gov or call our office at 914-377-6060.
Please stay safe, wash your hands, and remember that we are in this together.
Best,
Mike
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Yonkers Insider Rebuttal: There are Layoffs in Board of Education, You wouldn't know it in this Newsletter by the "Incompetent Council President Khader". He discusses Transparency, Let's discuss about the City Council President's Office under his reign and let's look at the salaries and Lack of Job Performance of this Office. The Photo OP Council President is a disgrace in my view. Whatever happened to Draining the Swamp, Council President Khader?
We congratulate Mayor Spano for offering this City Budget that does help Yonkers in these tough times. We also congratulate Yonkers City Council Budget Chair Anthony Merante for doing a great job in this Process.
This View is the opinion of Yonkers Insider.
Yonkers Insider
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