Budget & Appropriations Committee Capital Budget Presentations - Part 2 - October 20, 2026

The Budget & Appropriations Committee, chaired by Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels, met on October 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM (open delayed until quorum reached) to hear capital budget presentations from five county departments. The meeting featured presentations from the Department of Correction, District Attorney's Office, Department of Emergency Services, Department of Labs & Research, and Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation. No formal votes were taken; the session was for discussion and information gathering.

Department of Correction

• Commissioner Joseph Spano presented two projects: BCR5F (infrastructure improvements including interior/exterior repairs and replacement of valves, pumps, piping, and heat) and BCR65 (jail special housing unit heating system upgrades). Legislator Williams Johnson asked about the inclusion of three HDAC shelters and dozen wider pumps; staff confirmed those were completed.

District Attorney's Office

• Chief Administrator Charles Forzano and IT Director Jason Carrow presented a continuation of data center upgrades. They requested $1.1 million for 2027, bringing total project funding to approximately $4 million (previous appropriations of $2.8 million for 2025-2026). Legislators questioned the multi-year approach and supply chain impacts. Carrow noted they are pushing equipment to limits, extending warranties, and facing hardware scarcity and price increases.

Department of Emergency Services

• Commissioner Susan Spear and Deputy Commissioner Michael Volk presented two requests: HVAC system replacement ($1.2 million additional, total $5.2 million) and a hazmat truck replacement ($2 million). The HVAC system is 25-40 years old, critical for firefighter rehab and 911 server rooms; a temporary generator solution is in place but diverts emergency resources. The hazmat truck is 20 years old, with a two-year lead time for replacement; parts are scarce. Discussion included mutual aid agreements with Yonkers and Putnam/Rockland counties, and the status of existing projects (smokehouse near completion, training tower design to follow). Legislators expressed strong support for both projects.

Department of Labs & Research

• Dr. Aleksandar Milovanovic and Chief Administrator Keith Hoffman presented BLR2F, a multi-year equipment acquisition program. They detailed 13 core instruments for replacement, including an automated BOD analyzer, segmented flow analyzer, LC-MS/MS for PFAS, glassware washers, microwave digestion system, nitrogen generator, GC-MS, handheld Raman unit (new technology for rapid substance identification), DNA genotyping software, refrigerator, real-time PCR system, DNA extraction instrument, and GC-FID. Many are beyond manufacturer end-of-life (10-13 years). The new lab building is in detailed design phase, targeting move-in by 2030. Legislators asked about state funding (70 cents on the dollar via operating budget), supply chain delays (flat pricing, but delays for specialized HVAC), and the potential for wider deployment of the Raman unit.

Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation

• Acting Commissioner William Bland, Deputy Commissioner Kevin Cook, and Director of Park Planning Robert Lopane presented 11 projects totaling just over $69 million. Key projects include: general infrastructure and equipment ($1.5 million), playground equipment ($500,000), Blue Mountain Sportsman Center rehabilitation, Bronx River Reservation dam/spillway ($200,000) and pathway reconstruction ($14.5 million), Cranberry Lake Nature Center ($4.3 million, teardown and rebuild with larger footprint), Croton Point Park solar canopy ($9.27 million, includes EV charging and infrastructure upgrades), Hilltop Hanover design ($2.5 million), Canico Hills building renovation (historic pump house stabilization, $1 million for demolition of non-historic portions), and Wilkins Woods site work ($5.5 million, includes traffic calming, drainage, and pedestrian safety). Discussion included concerns about project timelines, the need for a comprehensive Playland plan, and updates on Mirestead farmhouse (exterior work progressing, interior design 90% complete, bond request expected next year). Commissioner Bland acknowledged staffing constraints and the need to close out older projects.

Key Outcomes

• The committee heard all presentations and closed with a motion to adjourn at 11:52 AM. No votes were taken; the presentations serve as information for future budget decisions. Several legislators requested follow-up information, including: a detailed list of equipment for Labs & Research, a full presentation on Playland's capital plan, and updates on stalled parks projects. The meeting will continue with additional departments later in the day.