The Friday Intel | 03.20.26: Where Your Tax Dollars Actually Go — The Data Behind Westchester's $197M Budget Hole

Send us Fan MailWestchester County ranks #1 in the nation for property taxes — $12,812 per year. But county government only controls 15-18% of your bill. This week on The Friday Intel, we break down the 2026 budget: a $197.7 million deficit, 180 eliminated positions, an 8% cut across every department, and a 5.27% tax levy increase that costs the average homeowner about $60 a year. The real threat? Up to $700 million in federal aid at risk.In This Episode:(0:00) Cold Open(0:30) Intro and Context(1:30) The Data — Budget Cuts, Workforce Reductions, and Sales Tax(3:30) The Surprise — What County Taxes Actually Control(5:00) What This Means for You(6:30) CloseSources:Westchester County Executive Office — 2026 Budget Signing Press ReleaseWestchester County Tax Commission — Property Tax RatesTax Foundation — Property Taxes by State and County, 2026Westchester County Legislature — 2026 Budget Public HearingNews 12 Westchester — 2026 Budget CoverageLeave a review on Apple Podcasts or share with a neighbor.Support the showI Live Here Westchester is a production of I Live Here Media.We spotlight the voices, visionaries, and stories that make Westchester County more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong.Have a guest suggestion or want to partner with us?Email: [email protected]: www.iliveheremedia.comFollow us on Instagram: @iliveheremediaSubscribe, rate, and share to support local storytelling.