Jenkins Calls Budget Vote a 'Circus', Will Address Media Monday

Democratic lawmakers have vowed to fight the legality of the 2013 Westchester County Budget approved Friday afternoon.

Ken Jenkins, chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, released a statement Saturday calling the vote a "circus" and that the vote was taken after Friday's meeting was adjourned.

A coalition of nine legislators—seven Republicans and two Democrats—voted to approve the budget Friday after Jenkins led eight Democrats out of the room. Republicans say a motion to adjourn the meeting was never voted on, Democrats disagree.

Eight Democrats left the room and turned out the lights before the final vote was taken.

“The budget process is not over,” Jenkins said in a statement. “When the dust clears from the circus that my misguided Board colleagues and the County Executive orchestrated yesterday, we will still need to legally enact a 2013 County Budget. The sooner we get back to business on this budget, the better.”

Jenkins will host a press conference at the Board of Legislators' rotunda Monday in White Plains.

Democrats Michael Kaplowitz and Virginia Perez voted with the coalition Friday, a move that ultimately led to the 9-0 vote. County Executive Robert Astorino signed the $1.7 billion spending plan Friday evening.

The plan salvages 27 jobs cut under Astorino's plan, but does not borrow money to pay for $13 million in tax certioraris in 2013, something Democrats had pushed for. Childcare contributions for low-income families were also increased from 20 percent to 27 percent.

Jenkins said Democrats want more funding for neighborhood youth programs and community health centers. The legality of Fridays vote will be discussed during Monday's press conference, Jenkins said.