Westchester County government will save approximately $21 million next year due to incentive programs that so far have prompted about 450 employees to voluntarily resign or retire.

"The incentive programs have allowed us to trim $21 million from next year's projected deficit," said County Executive Robert P. Astorino, who proposed the government participate in the county and state incentive plans. "But even with these and other planned savings, an enormous budget gap of approximately $72 million remains. The toughest budget decisions are still in front of us, but taxpayers must get relief. I am committed to submitting a balanced budget for 2011 with no tax increase."

Astorino also announced the filling of two key positions:

  • Mary Kate Cabaleiro, who has worked for the Youth Bureau since 1997, was named coordinator for the Youth Bureau. She replaces Marlene Furtick, who retired as executive director. Cabaleiro will keep her current salary of $83,115. Furtick's position, at a salary of $118,965, will not be filled.
  • Diane Balistreri, who currently serves as Astorino's director of community services, will take on the added role as head of the Office for Women. She will be paid an additional $6,440, bringing her salary to $67,545. She replaces Camille Murphy, who retired last week and was paid $118,965.

    "Marlene Furtick and Camille Murphy made a real difference in the lives of so many people in our county," said Astorino. "They have left but their work will continue on under the stewardships of Mary Kate Cabaleiro and Diane Balistreri."

Deficit Update
Furtick and Murphy are among the approximately 450 former county employees who have opted into the county or state incentive plan and left county employment. An additional 20 to 30 more voluntary retirements are expected later this year under the state's Part B incentive.

The $21 million projected thus far from the state and county voluntary separation programs represents net savings. The figure assumes that approximately 20 percent of the employees who leave under the programs will have to be replaced to maintain operations. The $21 million breaks down as $7 million from the county voluntary separation and $14 million from the state incentive. Those figures, which had fluctuated earlier in the year as employees exercised their options to enter, withdraw or switch programs, are close to being finalized with the closing of the county program and the more significant part of the state program.

In March, Westchester's budget and finance departments, in consultation with the county's outside auditor, projected a 2011 budget deficit of $166 million. Since then, initiatives and measures by the

Astorino administration have produced in-hand savings of $50 million. Another $44 million in savings are anticipated. Assuming those savings are realized, a gap of approximately $72 million remains, which could require the elimination of about 720 jobs. All of the county's commissioners and department heads have been given a target to reduce the tax levy portion of their respective budgets by 20 percent.

Youth Bureau
The Westchester County Youth Bureau – a division of the County Executive's Office – funds, monitors and supports local municipalities and not-for-profit agencies to provide preventive youth services. The bureau promotes positive youth development based upon the belief that families and extended families are fundamental sources of care, support and guidance for children and youth. Its funds come mainly from grants from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and the county's Invest in Kids initiative.

Furtick became executive director of the county's Youth Bureau in 2001. Prior to that, she was executive director of the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau.

Astorino said of her work: "Marlene Furtick's dedication to the youth of Westchester – and their families – was incomparable. She looked to solve some issues globally and others in an individualized way. She was an effective mentor and leader who always worked collaboratively with local municipal youth bureaus."

Cabaleiro has worked for the Youth Bureau since 1997, during which time she helped Furtick develop and coordinate contracts of more than $4 million for 68 not-for-profit agencies. From 1990-1997, she worked in the county's communications office.

She said of her new position: "I look forward to being a champion for the very necessary role of positive youth development in Westchester County, even during these difficult economic times. I am pleased with this opportunity and anticipate working with the County Executive and his staff to provide these essential services."

Office for Women
The Office for Women, also a division of the County Executive's Office, promotes independence and equity for Westchester County women and their families through education and research, direct and contracted services, and by influencing public policy. In one of its more recent initiatives, it collaborated with the District Attorney's Office to open a Family Justice Center to provide "one-stop" assistance for victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. The office also works closely with the Department of Senior Programs and Services on a variety of issues.

"Camille Murphy founded the Office for Women 30 years ago and has been nationally recognized for her work serving women and families in areas that include domestic violence, pay equality, gender discrimination, child care and sexual harassment," Astorino said. "This work will continue under Diane Balistreri, who will build on what Camille helped to create."

Balistreri was appointed Astorino's director of community services earlier this year. In that role, she oversees three advocacy boards: African-American Advisory Board, the Hispanic Advisory Board and the LGBT Advisory Board. She has also been the liaison for the county's Minority- and Women-Owned Business program, including the Web site.

Balistreri previously worked as a victim counselor and later as a detective in the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Units of the Warren County Prosecutor's Office in New Jersey. She is also a former probation officer from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in which she supervised more than 120 adult criminal offenders on probation or parole and wrote pre-sentence investigation reports for the court.

Commenting on her new role, she said: "There continue to be significant issues facing women in Westchester, and I look forward to working with the outstanding staff of the Office for Women to address these needs. I feel honored that the administration has offered me this important job."