By a unanimous vote of 17-0, the Westchester County Board of Legislators passed the county's $2.2 billion operating budget for 2022 Monday.

The budget is highlighted by a $7 million cut to the property tax levy.

With Westchester homeowners paying some of the highest property taxes in the country, the proposed multimillion-dollar reduction in the property tax levy, is welcome relief for many still struggling financially during the pandemic. "I am absolutely ecstatic about this budget… to a much higher level," says Ben Boykin, Chairman Westchester County Board of Legislators.

It marks the third consecutive year that the property tax levy has been reduced.

The $7 million will be the largest reduction since $10 million was cut back in 2011.

Latimer also cut property taxes by $1 million in both 2020 and 2021.

He says the county is able to afford the $7 million cut thanks to help from federal funds, and better than expected sales tax revenue.

Latimer says the budget reflects what they believe is a stronger economic position for the county throughout 2022.

The Board of Legislators also voted on and passed the county's 2022 capital and special districts budget.

The county executive is expected to sign the budget Tuesday.