Mayor: White Plains Faces Rising Pension Costs, But Budget Plan Stays Below Tax Cap

White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach says the city's proposed 2013-2014 budget proposal copes with rising costs without going above the state's tax cap. 

"In developing this budget, I requested that the Budget Director work to maintain city services at the high levels White Plains residents have come to expect while keeping spending down to the greatest extent possible," Roach said. "I am pleased that the proposed budget does this in a fiscally responsible manner and is below the state's property tax cap despite another round of significant increases in pension costs, without any immediate mandate relief from the state and without borrowing to meet current costs which would merely kick the can down the road. I look forward to working with my Council colleagues to further review this proposal with the goal of enacting a budget that provides cost effective and efficient services for our taxpayers."

Budget proposal: $157.5 million

Tax increase: 4.2 percent

Fees: Off-street parking fees would rise to $1, up 25 cents

Public hearing: May 7 at City Hall