June 30, 2011 --- County Executive Robert P. Astorino joined with a number of local officials in Pleasantville Thursday, at a ceremonial bill signing by Gov. Cuomo of the property tax cap law. 

"Governor Cuomo has come to Pleasantville to sign a measure that impacts everyone in Westchester County: his property tax cap is a good first step," Astorino said. "I applaud Governor Cuomo for recognizing tax relief as a priority. I look forward to working with his administration to further address the needs of Westchester County residents and business owners."

Astorino has long supported the idea of a cap on property taxes. However, he has maintained that it must be combined with substantial relief to local governments and school districts from state mandates.

While the state Legislature in its closing day of the session did in fact pass a bill designed to give some mandate relief, Astorino and other county officials are concerned it does not do anything meaningful because it because it does include the largest state mandates, such as Medicaid and services for children with disabilities.

"I urge Gov. Cuomo to refocus efforts on true mandate relief for counties, local municipalities and school districts. This is what our taxpayers deserve."

"Visualize the property tax cap as a foot coming down on a water balloon, " Astorino said. "If the water inside the balloon -- which you can think of as the bill for spending -- is not reduced, the force of the foot will simply send the bill to local communities, possibly with fast and furious consequences. We need mandate relief to avoid that."

Westchester County reduced its property tax levy two percent in the county's 2011 budget. Astorino has promised that the budget he submits for 2012 will not include a property tax increase either.