Westchester County Board of Legislators Joint Committee Meeting - July 27, 2026

The meeting opened at 10:00 AM with multiple committees (Health, Budget & Appropriations, Infrastructure & Housing, Public Safety, Legislation, etc.) convening jointly to discuss a series of tax exemptions, capital projects, and operational items. The primary focus was on bond acts, inter-municipal agreements, and property tax relief measures.

Discussion Items & Key Outcomes

Property Tax Exemptions (Local Laws 323-326, 312-315)

• The board considered several opt-in state exemptions: for active duty combat zone service members (up to $20,000 or 25% of assessed value), seriously disabled veterans (100% exemption), police officers killed in the line of duty (50% for surviving spouses), and volunteer firefighters/EMS (amended from 10% to 50% for surviving spouses). County Budget Director Justin Aden and Deputy Budget Director Diane Vanadia presented the exemptions, noting they shift the levy within municipalities without county fiscal impact. Legislators questioned the lack of data on number of eligible residents and potential burden on other taxpayers. The items passed with bipartisan support.

Westchester Community College Budget (Item 345)

• The college proposed its 2026-2027 budget with a discrepancy corrected between tuition and aid. Legislators flagged a 20% tuition increase over three years but noted WCC remains one of the cheapest community colleges. The budget passed, with county contribution at $6.2 million (same as prior year).

Mount Vernon Summer Basketball Program IMA (Item 319)

• An inter-municipal agreement with Mount Vernon for a summer basketball program serving approximately 90 kids aged 6-16. Legislators spoke in strong support, noting the program’s positive impact. The IMA passed unanimously.

Ice Casino Improvements Phase II Bond Act (Items 346-347)

• Acting Commissioner Peter Tartaglia and consultant Robert LePain requested a $4 million capital budget amendment to cover cost escalation, design changes (new dehumidifiers, fire alarm panel), and value engineering for the historic ice rink renovation. Legislators received detailed cost breakdowns and expressed support despite the increase. The bond act passed.

Labs and Research Facility Rehab and Upgrade Bond Act (Item 2026-339)

• Chief Administrator Keith Hoffman and First Deputy Commissioner Gayle Katzman presented a $3.2 million bond for 60% design of a new laboratory facility on the Grasslands campus. The project addresses failing infrastructure and consolidates operations. Value engineering reduced costs from $370M to $318M. Legislators questioned the cost overrun relative to the feasibility study but acknowledged the necessity. The bond act passed.

County Clerk IT Upgrades (Item 344)

• County Clerk Timothy Idoni and Deputy Clerk John Allen requested $1.3 million for a capital project to replace an outdated cashiering system (dated to 2009) and consolidate legal division databases. A separate $37,000 IT project for an AI phone system was also outlined. Legislators expressed strong support, with questions about cybersecurity and recurring costs. The item passed.

Countywide Building Management System Upgrade (Item 330)

• Director Robert Admont and Commissioner Hernandez requested a $2.525 million design bond to replace the obsolete Andover building management system across 28 county facilities with a modern ecostructure platform. The upgrade improves security and HVAC control. The bond passed.

Bus Radio Data System (Item 343)

• CIO Rajesh Sood requested $2.065 million in additional bonding for the Bee-Line bus system upgrade, including cameras, routers, and farebox integration. Legislators noted the project was anticipated to need extra funds. The item passed.

South Yonkers Trunk Sewer Inspection (Item 340)

• Commissioner Vincent Popicky and Environmental Project Director Jasmine Hogan asked for $1 million to inspect and clean 3,300 linear feet of 60-inch sewer pipe using advanced technologies. The contract passed.

Building Access Control & Video Surveillance Upgrade (Items 341-342)

• Lennox Harris presented a continuation of an existing project to expand access control and video surveillance at county facilities, including Playland and Kensico Plaza. Legislators highlighted the cost of World Cup-related security upgrades with no state reimbursement. The items passed.

Fire Alarm System Replacement at Jail (Item 31)

• Assistant Warden Carl Volmer and Director William Fallon requested funding to replace the pneumatic fire alarm system with an electronic one (Vesda) after a successful pilot. The current system (from 1993) is at end of life. The bond passed.

Inmate Transportation IMAs (Items 337-338)

• Renewals of agreements with Peekskill and White Plains for inmate transportation services. Passed as routine.

Jail Infrastructure Improvement (Item 329)

• $500,000 bond to replace failing grinder pumps at the jail, a health and safety issue. Funds allocated for replacement. Passed.

Receive & File Items

• Several items were filed for the record, including legislation on accessory dwelling unit tax abatements, a small business/MWBE microgrant pilot, and other memos. Approved.

Votes

• All actions were approved by voice vote or roll call with no recorded opposition except for a few abstentions noted in minutes. Committees voted separately on items within their jurisdiction.

The meeting adjourned at 12:40 PM.