Astorino sets 2012 goals in “State of the County” address

After ending 2011 with a bipartisan budget agreement that saw peace break out between the Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and the Board of Legislators, Astorino said in his “State of the County” address that the focus now shifts to economic development.

At a breakfast hosted on Jan. 12 by the Westchester County Association, Astorino presented a number of his policy goals for 2012 and unveiled plans to create a countywide Local Development Corporation to authorize bonds on the behalf of nonprofit agencies.

With state-mandated programs accounting for 80 percent of the county”™s tax levy, a premium will again be placed on county dollars, Astorino said.

“Our problem is spending ”“ some of it directly in our control, most of it the result of unfunded state mandates, and all of it needs to be addressed,” he said.

At the year”™s first meeting of all departmental heads, Astorino said he advised each commissioner to immediately start searching for savings.

“Financial realities have dictated that we adapt to new circumstances.”

Astorino also served notice that layoffs would ensue if there is no agreement by year”™s end between the county government and the eight unions that represent county employees over health care contributions.

“The health care benefits provided by the county cost taxpayers over $100 million, and union members receive them for free, and that just can”™t continue,” he said.

Among the other topics discussed by Astorino were the future of Playland, the expected start of construction on a new Tappan Zee Bridge, mandate relief at the state government level, and the simplification of county contracts.

As far as Playland is concerned, Astorino said his administration is reviewing the recommendations of the citizens committee, which in turn was charged with assessing the 12 proposals submitted to the county last spring. A decision on the park”™s future could come as early as April, Astorino said.

The creation of a county LDC, he said, fills a void that was left by the state in 2008 when Industrial Development Agencies lost the power to authorize bonds on the behalf of nonprofits.

The new LDC, once it is incorporated, will have the authority to provide tax-exempt bond financing and other incentives to nonprofits looking to invest in capital improvements and acquisitions.

From an economic-development standpoint, Astorino said the creation of a “master contract” for businesses that provide services for the county will help to cut down on administrative costs.

“If a company has multiple contracts with the county, state or federal government, it doesn”™t make sense that the same basic information be gathered every single time,” he said, adding that the process should be rolled out by April.