Westchester County officials are asking the public to give their input on what they want to see in the 2025 county budget.

Officials hosted a public meeting at the Scarsdale Public Library on Thursday to hear from residents. About 10 people signed up to speak. Those who spoke told officials they want more money for literacy, STEM and arts programs and infrastructure.

“An increase in funding to the Westchester Library system would be beneficial to addressing literacy issues in the county. Specifically, I hope that there can be funds specifically allocated to literacy initiatives,” says Olivia Abramowitz, a student at Scarsdale High School.

Some organizations that spoke said they have received funding from the county in the past but they need more money to keep some programs running. While most organizations didn’t come with a specific amount of money they were looking for, they outlined their upcoming projects.

“We are planning a larger facility that will include more classrooms so that we can increase our programming for the Port Chester Schools, local community groups, senior centers and more,” says Emily Peck, the executive director at the Clay Arts Center.

One parent spoke about the importance of funding the Family Services Society of Yonkers. She said it’s provided important resources to her children.

“As a parent, this agency has truly been a lifeline for me and my children,” says Samantha Alvarez, a parent. “It’s not always easy to find the right type of support for my kids.”

County Executive George Latimer said this public input session was the first step in creating the budget.

“Hearing that commentary and seeing that personal face behind the issue is very important,” says Latimer.

Next week, county officials will give the Board of Legislators the capital budget and more public hearings are expected to follow.

“We as a county government cannot do all of the things that someone might want us to do. We look to the state government and federal government as well,” says Latimer.