In a close vote of 4-3, the Yonkers City Council has approved the 2023-2024 budget for the City of Yonkers. The adopted budget prioritizes public safety and quality of life services while also making significant investments in education. Furthermore, it manages to stay just below the state-mandated property tax cap.
The budget process begins at the start of the year, with the city council conducting hearings throughout the month of May. The hearing see each department come before the council to discuss their fiscal needs. In addition to these hearings, the council also held public forums like one at Saunders High School.
One of the notable highlights of the budget is the increased investment in the Yonkers Public Schools. The Maintenance of Effort to the School District budget has been raised by $5 million. This brings the total amount allotted to education to $740 million. This allocation represents the largest amount ever budgeted by the city. And it’s the largest local share of any big city to a district outside of New York City.
Mayor Mike Spano expressed his satisfaction with the adopted budget, calling it “sound and responsible“. He commended the cooperative effort of the City Council in making smart investments in public safety and quality services. Mayor Spano also emphasized the importance of investing in education.
City Council President and Budget Chair Lakisha Collins-Bellamy highlighted the deliberations that took place during this process. She stated that the goal was to address the growing needs of the city while prioritizing the quality of life for its residents. Collins-Bellamy also stressed the collaboration between the City Council and the Mayor’s administration.
Yonkers Council Majority Leader Tasha Diaz expressed pride in the hard work that went into the budget process. She described her role in government during this process.
“As an elected official, it is important to pass a sound and healthy budget that will deliver for the constituents”
Tasha Diaz – (D) Yonkers City Council Majority Leader
