County Executive Robert P. Astorino Thursday sharply criticized the proposed changes to his budget advocated by the Democratic leadership of the Board of Legislators, saying the plan is "irresponsible" and would be a disaster for the county's fiscal health.
"What the Democratic leadership has come up with is the worst of all worlds," Astorino said. "Not only does it put the county's triple A bond ratings at risk, but it also jeopardizes services, including those that provide a safety net for our most needy. The legislators pushing it are irresponsible."
On Nov. 14, Astorino released his proposed spending plan for 2013, which did not increase the county tax levy, protected the county's reserve fund and preserved essential services. The Democratic-controlled Board of Legislators released a list of proposed additions to the budget earlier this week and released a list of proposed deletions today.
After the additions and deletions from the Board of Legislators, these are among the specifics Astorino faulted:
- Taking $11 million from the county's fund balance, despite indications from the bond rating agencies that this could jeopardize the county's top rating:
- Eliminating two deputy commissioners of social services from the county's largest department;
- Under funding by $900,000 the county's paratransit program, which runs alternative transit services for the disabled;
- Removing $1.7 million in salaries for the Department of Correction, which will lead to increased costs in overtime;
- Short-changing Medicaid by $4.1 million;
- Under funding by $1 million the expenses relating to tax certioraris (court-order tax refunds);
- Overstating revenues by about $2 million for such things as parks, mortgage tax and civil service exams.
"These proposals by the Democrats will handcuff the ability of the county to function," said Astorino. "My hope is that a bipartisan coalition can come together and work with me to pass a budget that is in the best interests of the county and avoids a doomsday scenario."