Latest / This Week in Westchester: The Podcast / TWIW 33: August 10, 2026

Transcript

TWIW 33: August 10, 2026 · This Week in Westchester: The Podcast

• 0:06
  Intro: Welcome to This Week in Westchester, the podcast, your weekly audio briefing from Westchester County Government.
• 0:13
  Intro: Each week, County Executive Ken Jenkins breaks down the decisions, investments, and initiatives shaping life across Westchester.
• 0:21
  Intro: Clear information, real progress.
• 0:23
  Intro: One place to stay informed.
• 0:26
  Intro: Now, here's this week in Westchester.
• 0:29
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Good afternoon.
• 0:30
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I'm Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins.
• 0:33
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Today is August 10th, 2026, and this is This Week in Westchester, the briefing.
• 0:40
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Today, we're going to be pleased to present the second quarter report.
• 0:45
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And it's a summary report because we are still doing a little bit of fine-tuning on it.
• 0:49
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: But today we have Westchester County Budget Director Larry Sowell here today to provide an overview of the key financial drivers behind the second quarter forecast, including the major revenue gains and expenditure increases shaping the county's fiscal outlook for the remainder of 2026.
• 1:09
  SPEAKER_04: Larry Sowell.
• 1:19
  SPEAKER_04: The outlook has improved modestly since the first quarter forecast.
• 1:24
  SPEAKER_04: We had projected a$16.6 million deficit as of the first quarter.
• 1:29
  SPEAKER_04: For the second quarter, we are projecting a$9.4 million deficit.
• 1:34
  SPEAKER_04: Overall, we expect expenditures to exceed budget by approximately$43.4 million, while revenues are projected to come in approximately$34 million above budget, resulting in the net deficit of$9.4 million.
• 1:49
  SPEAKER_04: While revenue performance has exceeded expectations, expenditure growth continues to outpace those gains, primarily due to increases in health care costs, self-insurance costs, overtime, and mandated human service programs.
• 2:03
  SPEAKER_04: The most significant variances from the budget include, on the favorable side,$17.2 million to the good on sales tax.
• 2:12
  SPEAKER_04: So our sales tax has performed better than what we budgeted.
• 2:15
  SPEAKER_04: That's on a net basis after what we shared to the local municipalities and school districts.
• 2:20
  SPEAKER_04: Additionally, favorable, we received$14.7 million more in state aid after the passage of the state budget.
• 2:29
  SPEAKER_04: For child care and transportation, this is net of increased expenses.
• 2:34
  SPEAKER_04: In addition, because we have managed our budget very carefully, we have an additional$2.7 million in vacancy savings.
• 2:41
  SPEAKER_04: On the unfavorable side, we have$4.2 million lower than budget on B-line bus fares.
• 2:49
  SPEAKER_04: We have$1.6 million lower revenue for Playland due to weather impacted days.
• 2:55
  SPEAKER_04: We have had a number of weather-impacted days, which lowers attendance at Playland.
• 2:59
  SPEAKER_04: Our employee health care costs are projected to exceed budget by$5.3 million.
• 3:06
  SPEAKER_04: Our preschool program for children with special needs exceeds budget by$2.9 million.
• 3:11
  SPEAKER_04: Our self-insurance programs for workers' comp and liability is$7 million.
• 3:17
  SPEAKER_04: Overtime$3 million.
• 3:18
  SPEAKER_04: And what we did in this projection, because when we released the 2026 budget, we said that there were two items in there that we said were placeholders, that we would only do those to the extent we needed to do those.
• 3:32
  SPEAKER_04: And those are the pension amortization, essentially borrowing from the pension system for pension costs, and borrowing for tax sortiaries.
• 3:40
  SPEAKER_04: So we took those two items out of our projection because we believe we will be able to manage our budget.
• 3:46
  SPEAKER_04: $9.4 million is a relatively modest deficit on a$2.5 billion budget.
• 3:51
  SPEAKER_04: We believe we'll be able to manage that through careful management of the county finances.
• 3:56
  SPEAKER_04: So we don't anticipate having to do those two one-time items in the budget.
• 4:02
  SPEAKER_04: On the economic background which this forecast is based on, we have uncertainties surrounding Federal funding.
• 4:11
  SPEAKER_04: And this potentially impacts our county programs like SNAP.
• 4:15
  SPEAKER_04: We have additional administrative cost for Medicaid.
• 4:18
  SPEAKER_04: And then we have continued pressure also from inflation and energy prices.
• 4:23
  SPEAKER_04: For example, our price, our the cost for ultra-low sulfur diesel for our bus system is about a dollar more now.
• 4:30
  SPEAKER_04: We locked in the price this year, but if we have to lock in for next year, we're looking at a$2 million increase for the cost of fuel for our buses.
• 4:39
  SPEAKER_04: We have rising operating costs, including labor, health care, and insurance expenses.
• 4:44
  SPEAKER_04: And then we have uneven economic conditions across industries and households.
• 4:49
  SPEAKER_04: While we have seen record levels in the stock market, borrowing costs remain high.
• 4:54
  SPEAKER_04: Housing inventories continue to decline, with the average single-family housing price now exceeding 1.2, median housing price now exceeding$1.2 million.
• 5:04
  SPEAKER_04: Headline CPI as of the last release was 3.5 percent.
• 5:09
  SPEAKER_04: A good portion of that is food and energy.
• 5:12
  SPEAKER_04: With the high energy prices, that has led to higher inflation.
• 5:18
  SPEAKER_04: And so this is where we stand now for the second quarter, and this will be the basis for which we will start to work on our 2027 budget.
• 5:26
  SPEAKER_04: Thank you.
• 5:28
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Thank you.
• 5:31
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: That was Budget Director Larry Soleil giving us the news as we continue to look at some of the key major revenue gains and expenditure increases for the second quarter as we um project forward for the end of the year.
• 5:45
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um as was stated, we're projecting, we went from having projected a$16 million deficit in the first quarter to approximately$10 million.
• 5:55
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We're gonna round up to$9.8, so$10 million budget.
• 5:59
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So we are trending in the right direction.
• 6:01
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And as the budget director pointed out, we have a$2.5 billion budget.
• 6:06
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um, and with our careful management through all the departments working together, working with all our vendors, et cetera, that we feel strongly that we'll be able to uh manage um towards that number um carefully and continuing to uh to move in the correct direction.
• 6:20
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So again, we want to thank the budget director soul, his entire team for continuing to monitor those things for us.
• 6:25
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And again, there's so many factors um in our budget that impact um the ability for us to project.
• 6:32
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um certainly the continued war in Iran that is impacting um fuel and um food cost, et cetera.
• 6:38
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So those things, the the um inflation number at 3.51, um it continues to show that we are um have upwinds and challenges to deal with, and especially with our federal government, um with the things that are now being implemented from HR1 um that will continue to impact us um in a negative uh way.
• 6:58
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um again, while we we love to hear how how well housing prices are, the median house price in Westchester County being$1.2 million is just completely unaffordable from an average perspective, a median perspective.
• 7:13
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So we're gonna continue to do the work with all of our partners to continue to do that.
• 7:17
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: But again, there's a um housing shortages that continue to impact um the inventory.
• 7:24
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So there's not people putting their houses on the market, um then which makes sense because then they just have to buy something else that's um you know priced very, very high.
• 7:32
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So we're gonna continue to work with all of our partners in our business community and uh making sure with our businesses, our nonprofits, and all of our entities, our government partners to continue to do everything possible.
• 7:42
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um but again, we're trending in the right direction,$2.5 billion budget, um, and going from$16 uh million dollars of a deficit in the first quarter to about 10 million.
• 7:52
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um that's the kind of path that we want to continue to be on, and we continue to um to appreciate everyone working hard together to make sure that that's making a difference.
• 8:01
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So thanks again, budget director saw.
• 8:04
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um up next, we're going to have our Department of Consumer Protection Director, Jim Maisano, come up and let us know um to what things the simple, practical steps residents can take to protect themselves from identity theft scams, phishing, check washing, and other forms of fraud while highlighting those county resources available to help keep their personal information secure.
• 8:29
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Jim Maison.
• 8:30
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you, Mr.
• 8:30
  SPEAKER_01: County Executive.
• 8:31
  SPEAKER_01: I'm gonna go very fast today because I have a lot to say.
• 8:34
  SPEAKER_01: So here's ten tips to the people of Westchester, the people of our state, the people of our country.
• 8:40
  SPEAKER_01: It's really the whole world is facing these identity theft um situations.
• 8:45
  SPEAKER_01: So I'm gonna go fast to things you could do in your everyday life to be careful.
• 8:49
  SPEAKER_01: Number one, watch for shoulder surfers.
• 8:53
  SPEAKER_01: So when you're filling out a document, and it's anywhere, it could be anywhere, at work, at a store, someone might be looking over your shoulder, and with these high-tech cameras, they could take one picture, and whatever document you're filling out, they can get all the information.
• 9:05
  SPEAKER_01: So be careful people eavesdropping around you when you're filling out documents anywhere in public.
• 9:11
  SPEAKER_01: Number two, shred sensitive documents, okay?
• 9:15
  SPEAKER_01: Criminals dumpster dive for bank and credit card statement and tax records.
• 9:20
  SPEAKER_01: They're prime targets for fraud.
• 9:22
  SPEAKER_01: Always use a shredder for your personal confidential information.
• 9:26
  SPEAKER_01: And for Westchester residents, you should be happy.
• 9:29
  SPEAKER_01: We have a county mobile shredder that goes around a county.
• 9:32
  SPEAKER_01: Just look on the county website and you can find dates around the county.
• 9:36
  SPEAKER_01: Secure your records at home.
• 9:38
  SPEAKER_01: If somebody's in your house, uh a guest, a worker, uh, if you're leaving your confidential information around, it just takes one snap of a phone to get that information, or someone even to pick it up.
• 9:50
  SPEAKER_01: So make sure you're putting things in safes, in drawers, in filing cabinets.
• 9:54
  SPEAKER_01: Don't leave confidential information around your home.
• 9:57
  SPEAKER_01: Next, protect your mail.
• 9:59
  SPEAKER_01: Thieves look at the red flag up at your house as a potential robbery of your mail because there might be checks in there.
• 10:07
  SPEAKER_01: Uh and uh the best practice, folks, in this day and age, I know you people don't want to hear this, take it to the post office.
• 10:14
  SPEAKER_01: Do not put your mail in front of your house.
• 10:17
  SPEAKER_01: The best practice, and to avoid possible thieves, take it to the post office.
• 10:21
  SPEAKER_01: Don't make it easy for people.
• 10:23
  SPEAKER_01: Um check washing, okay?
• 10:26
  SPEAKER_01: Criminals use chemicals to alter the checks they steal from the mailboxes, which I just explained.
• 10:32
  SPEAKER_01: Uh so switch to electronic payments whenever possible.
• 10:36
  SPEAKER_01: But if you have to write a check, and sometimes we do, um, use permanent black gel ink.
• 10:43
  SPEAKER_01: That is the required standard now when you write checks.
• 10:46
  SPEAKER_01: Permanent black gel ink, and try to have your text cover all the open areas on the check.
• 10:52
  SPEAKER_01: Don't leave room for them to stick information in there.
• 10:54
  SPEAKER_01: Okay, we got through five quick, Mr.
• 10:56
  SPEAKER_01: County Executive.
• 10:57
  SPEAKER_01: Shop safely online.
• 10:59
  SPEAKER_01: Shopping on lay shopping online saves time.
• 11:03
  SPEAKER_01: We all know that.
• 11:04
  SPEAKER_01: Um, but you have to protect your financial information.
• 11:06
  SPEAKER_01: Before entering payment deals, make sure you're on the right website.
• 11:10
  SPEAKER_01: There's a lot of fraudulent websites that could be Amazon One, but you didn't see the one because you didn't look.
• 11:15
  SPEAKER_01: Make sure you're on the right website before you enter your personal confidential information.
• 11:20
  SPEAKER_01: And use a credit card.
• 11:21
  SPEAKER_01: There's more protection on a credit card for consumers than a debit card.
• 11:25
  SPEAKER_01: So if you're gonna shop online, use a credit card.
• 11:27
  SPEAKER_01: Number seven, beware of phishing and smishing scams.
• 11:31
  SPEAKER_01: Never click a link in an uninspected email or text claiming there's an account problem, especially from a bank or credit card company.
• 11:40
  SPEAKER_01: It's probably a scam.
• 11:41
  SPEAKER_01: If you're concerned, it's pretty simple what to do.
• 11:44
  SPEAKER_01: Ignore this communication, whether it came at you by email, text, whatever, and then you call the company it's allegedly coming from.
• 11:51
  SPEAKER_01: You make the communication, don't trust an incoming communication if you don't you don't know who it is for sure.
• 11:57
  SPEAKER_01: Avoid spoofing and uh dishing.
• 12:00
  SPEAKER_01: Spam or spoof caller ID to pose as banks and pose as financial institution.
• 12:05
  SPEAKER_01: Very tricky.
• 12:06
  SPEAKER_01: It looks like it's coming in as from the bank.
• 12:08
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and they'll claim your account is compromised.
• 12:12
  SPEAKER_01: Every time you get that call, hang up the phone.
• 12:15
  SPEAKER_01: Hang up the phone, and then you call your bank and say, I just got this call.
• 12:19
  SPEAKER_01: This is a problem.
• 12:20
  SPEAKER_01: If they said it's a problem in my account, they're gonna tell you it's a scam.
• 12:23
  SPEAKER_01: Um, the golden rule: your bank will never call you and ask you for a pin or login credentials.
• 12:29
  SPEAKER_01: That's never gonna happen.
• 12:30
  SPEAKER_01: So if they say that, you know it's a scam immediately on the phone.
• 12:33
  SPEAKER_01: Number nine, lock down your Wi-Fi.
• 12:36
  SPEAKER_01: Boy, this is one people make this mistake all the time.
• 12:39
  SPEAKER_01: Avoid free public Wi-Fi.
• 12:42
  SPEAKER_01: I know it's so easy to use when you're in uh a restaurant, a cafe, an airport, a hotel.
• 12:48
  SPEAKER_01: That's not safe.
• 12:50
  SPEAKER_01: Free public Wi-Fi is not safe.
• 12:52
  SPEAKER_01: Um no passwords means hackers can easily eavesdrop and intercept your data and your passwords.
• 13:01
  SPEAKER_01: So use your cell phone, sell your data or your computer's uh VPN, get a VPN on your computer and your phone that'll protect you if you're gonna use free public Wi-Fi.
• 13:11
  SPEAKER_01: Never use it without a VPN, okay?
• 13:13
  SPEAKER_01: At a minimum, and at least you should also do it on your cell phone.
• 13:16
  SPEAKER_01: Uh don't use the Wi-Fi, just use your regular uh cellular data.
• 13:20
  SPEAKER_01: Number 10, we're getting through it, Mr.
• 13:23
  SPEAKER_01: County Executive.
• 13:24
  SPEAKER_01: Monitor your credit.
• 13:26
  SPEAKER_01: A credit freeze is the best way to block identity theft and protect your credit score.
• 13:31
  SPEAKER_01: If you if you can uh if you can stop it, what happens with if you get a credit freeze, which is free, Congress passed a law that it's free to get a credit freeze.
• 13:42
  SPEAKER_01: It can stop unauthorized accounts from being opened under your name.
• 13:46
  SPEAKER_01: So here's what you do.
• 13:48
  SPEAKER_01: Uh there you there's three rating aid uh credit rating agencies.
• 13:52
  SPEAKER_01: The county our budget director knows all about it.
• 13:55
  SPEAKER_01: Um you can you can check your credit report regularly and get the credit freeze by checking, use this website, annualcreditreport.com, or you can call 877-322-8228.
• 14:10
  SPEAKER_01: Get a credit freeze from the three credit rating agencies.
• 14:14
  SPEAKER_01: I got through it, Mr.
• 14:15
  SPEAKER_01: County Executive.
• 14:16
  SPEAKER_01: Folks, you gotta really protect yourself in this day and age.
• 14:19
  SPEAKER_01: Um, the threats are coming at you from uh your phone, your email, your text, regular mail, people knocking on your door.
• 14:28
  SPEAKER_01: You have to protect yourself in this day and age because there's so many threats coming at you.
• 14:32
  SPEAKER_01: But if you have any question about any of this, pick up the phone and call 914-995-2155.
• 14:40
  SPEAKER_01: That's your friends at the Westchester County Consumer Protection Department, and we will answer any question and help you in any way if you're worried about a scam.
• 14:49
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you.
• 14:53
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you, Jim.
• 14:54
  SPEAKER_00: That was very helpful, and it's always good for all of us to be reminded of these scam tips.
• 15:00
  SPEAKER_00: I learned a lot today.
• 15:01
  SPEAKER_00: I'm Joan McDonald, the Deputy County Executive.
• 15:04
  SPEAKER_00: I'm here to talk about our upcoming public hearing on our student fare adjustments.
• 15:09
  SPEAKER_00: Westchester County is proposing expanding the value of student omnics to four trips a day, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
• 15:20
  SPEAKER_00: We are also proposing extending the card's validity for 12 months from September 1st, 2026 through August 31st, 2027.
• 15:30
  SPEAKER_00: Today's students don't just go to school and come home.
• 15:34
  SPEAKER_00: They work, they participate in sports and activities, they volunteer, and they have responsibilities throughout the community.
• 15:41
  SPEAKER_00: By expanding the omni-student benefit to four trips a day, seven days a week, we're giving students the flexibility and independence to travel throughout Westchester County and get where they need to go safely and affordably.
• 15:56
  SPEAKER_00: The county is proposing discounting the student omni card.
• 16:00
  SPEAKER_00: The cost would be 50% off based on a four-week month.
• 16:04
  SPEAKER_00: The price would go from$28, or$58, excuse me, its current price, to$70.
• 16:11
  SPEAKER_00: Our upcoming public hearing on this topic is this Thursday, August 13th, from 5 30 to 7 p.m.
• 16:19
  SPEAKER_00: at 148 Martine Avenue, fifth floor conference room, 527 here in White Plains.
• 16:27
  SPEAKER_00: Additional information, including virtual registration details, is available at transportation.westchestercounty ny.gov slash B Line slash B-line home.
• 16:41
  SPEAKER_00: The last adjustment to B-Line student fairs was made in 2015.
• 16:45
  SPEAKER_00: Student omnics are distributed by Westchester County DPWT to school districts which opt in.
• 16:53
  SPEAKER_00: Students purchase the student omnicards directly from their school district, and each district can choose to further subsidize the cost of the card.
• 17:02
  SPEAKER_00: Again, this Thursday, August 13th, is the public hearing.
• 17:07
  SPEAKER_00: Next up is our fire safety video.
• 17:10
  SPEAKER_00: The Westchester County Department of Emergency Services has developed a series of home fire safety PSA videos to help educate residents about important ways to prevent fires in the home and keep your family safe during an emergency.
• 17:27
  SPEAKER_00: The four PSA videos cover a range of fire safety topics such as kitchen safety, bedroom safety, smoke detectors, and evacuation planning.
• 17:39
  SPEAKER_00: The first PSA showcases some of the basics that all residents should be aware of when it comes to fire safety in the kitchen.
• 17:48
  SPEAKER_00: Let's take a look at the video now.
• 18:10
  SPEAKER_06: Hi, very nice to meet you.
• 18:11
  SPEAKER_06: I am here to help you guys with a fire inspection today for your home.
• 18:14
  SPEAKER_06: Let's do it.
• 18:34
  SPEAKER_07: You don't want to rush by the stove and knock it out.
• 18:36
  SPEAKER_07: That makes sense.
• 18:37
  SPEAKER_07: That makes sense.
• 18:38
  SPEAKER_07: The other thing, too, to be careful with is pets, right?
• 18:41
  SPEAKER_07: Pets like to jump up and look at things.
• 18:42
  SPEAKER_07: You don't want them to knock a hot pan off the stove.
• 18:44
  SPEAKER_07: So keeping it turned in is probably your best bet for stove safety.
• 18:49
  SPEAKER_07: The other thing you want to do is anytime you're cooking, and especially when you're frying, you want to have the lid handy.
• 18:54
  SPEAKER_07: So if this were to catch on fire, you're gonna put your pot holder on, grab your lid, and then when you go to turn off the stove, instead of reaching over the pot, you want to see from the side come from the stove off.
• 19:07
  SPEAKER_07: Turn it off that way and then leave.
• 19:08
  SPEAKER_07: Yes.
• 19:09
  SPEAKER_07: Okay.
• 19:10
  SPEAKER_07: You always want to have an extinguisher nearby.
• 19:12
  SPEAKER_07: I got one right here.
• 19:13
  SPEAKER_07: Yes.
• 19:13
  SPEAKER_07: The other thing is you never want to leave your cooking unattended.
• 19:17
  SPEAKER_07: What about my Instapot?
• 19:18
  SPEAKER_07: Can I leave that on the counter unattended?
• 19:20
  SPEAKER_07: They're not dangerous, but they do require a little bit of adult supervision.
• 19:26
  SPEAKER_05: Rob, it was a great visit with the family.
• 19:28
  SPEAKER_05: You gave them some great tips on fire safety, and I think they're they appreciate everything you gave them today.
• 19:35
  SPEAKER_05: One thing to remember if you do have any other questions, please call your local fire department.
• 19:40
  SPEAKER_05: Use the business number for the fire department for your questions.
• 19:43
  SPEAKER_05: Train your family, your kids only to use 911 in an emergency and be fire safe and save those you love.
• 20:06
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Just this past weekend, um there was really busy firework around Westchester County.
• 20:13
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um our emergency services um control um 60 controls, what we call it, um dispatch 17 structural fire events throughout the county.
• 20:23
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So uh again, um while people don't think these things are important, we really are um focused on trying to make sure that we're giving people the information that they need to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe, um including making sure to not overload outlets and certain other things, especially by windows, having fire safety ladder, all those things that we should be um practicing and doing the work that the people that are fire professionals and our law enforcement professionals do all the time.
• 20:50
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Again, going through different scenarios and then doing those routines and practicing to make sure that we can keep everybody safe and secure here in Westchester.
• 20:59
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We're gonna switch now and talk about us, especially at this time of the year.
• 21:04
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We are um having three weeks of the summer left.
• 21:07
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um, so make the most of the summer before it's gone, but with a visit to Plainland Park.
• 21:14
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And we started an end of the summer sale that began on Friday, August 7th, and that'll continue right throughout the rest of the season.
• 21:22
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Westchester County residents can purchase ride wristbands for 15 bucks, less than going to the movie theater, right?
• 21:30
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: While non-Westchester residents can purchase them for$25.
• 21:34
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Playland Park, as you know, is one of Westchester County's most cherished summer destinations, and it's important that everyone has the opportunity to experience all that the park has to offer while making those lasting summer memories.
• 21:47
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: As summer comes to a close, this special promotion makes it easier for residents and visitors alike to end the season on a high note.
• 21:55
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Well, Playland's full schedule, hours, the rides that are open.
• 22:00
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Wristbands and parking, you can visit playlandpark.org.
• 22:04
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: That's one big word, playlandpark.org.
• 22:07
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um, and making sure you take advantage of this outstanding promotion for the rest and the end of the summer season.
• 22:14
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And when you go to Playland, make sure this week we have some exciting news that we're sharing with you.
• 22:21
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um get ready for a new level of fun as we open up a brand new ride, and it's called Scorpios.
• 22:28
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: The classic pirate ship swing ride features features a thrilling pendulum-style back and forth motion.
• 22:35
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um, the custom Scorpion ship, a course scorpion themed ship, is large enough to seat 42 passengers and will join the parks lineup of classic rides, including the Dragon Coaster, Grand Carousel, and the Saw Mill River.
• 22:51
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: The opening of Scorpios marked another exciting step in Playland Parks comeback, and we are very proud to bring this new ride to one of the most beloved destinations in Westchester.
• 23:03
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Members of the public are invited to join us at the grand opening celebration this Thursday, August 13th at 12 noon.
• 23:12
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So bring your family, friends, and all of our neighbors.
• 23:16
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We hope to see you there.
• 23:17
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We'll be out there on the 13th at 12 noon.
• 23:20
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We hope to see you there and join Playland Park.
• 23:23
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: With that, let me turn back to um Deputy County Executive Joe McDonald.
• 23:30
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you, County Executive.
• 23:32
  SPEAKER_00: A lot going on on Thursday, August 13 in our park system.
• 23:36
  SPEAKER_00: But first, let's start with Wednesday, August 12th from 4 30 to 7 30.
• 23:41
  SPEAKER_00: Sundays in the park at Kensigo Dam Plaza in Valhalla.
• 23:45
  SPEAKER_00: Join us for delicious ice cream on Wednesdays in July and August.
• 23:50
  SPEAKER_00: Enjoy live music and entertainment and$5 cones, shakes, and Sundays.
• 23:55
  SPEAKER_00: Toppings do cost extra.
• 23:57
  SPEAKER_00: It's located near the children's playland.
• 24:00
  SPEAKER_00: Playground, bring a blanket or chair.
• 24:04
  SPEAKER_00: Wednesday's free entertainment is Magician Amori and face painting starting at 5 o'clock.
• 24:10
  SPEAKER_00: On Thursday, August 13th, 10 o'clock in the morning till noon, in addition to the uh events at Playland on the Scorpio, Westchester Children's Museum will be having a pop-up at Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center in Yorktown.
• 24:26
  SPEAKER_00: The Westchester Children's Museum will be bringing its programming and impact to the River North communities of Westchester, reaching the towns and districts in the northernmost part of the county along the Hudson River region.
• 24:40
  SPEAKER_00: The museum is committed to making its programming, including STEM and STEAM activities, available to all children in Westchester, and that event is free.
• 24:51
  SPEAKER_00: Also on Thursday, August 13th, from 7 to 9 p.m., our Robeson Summer Concert Series continues with Captain Jack, a Billy Joel tribute band at Kensico Dam Plaza.
• 25:03
  SPEAKER_00: Sing along to the music of the piano man.
• 25:06
  SPEAKER_00: Bring blankets and lawn chairs for general seating, and coolers are permitted.
• 25:11
  SPEAKER_00: Free admission and parking.
• 25:13
  SPEAKER_00: On Saturday, August 15th, from 12 noon until 4 p.m., it's DJ Day at Saxon Woods Parks in White Plains.
• 25:22
  SPEAKER_00: Come for a swim and enjoy music at the pool.
• 25:25
  SPEAKER_00: Admission fees apply, and Westchester County residency is required.
• 25:30
  SPEAKER_00: On Sunday, August 16th, from noon until 6 p.m., it's the 50th annual Jewish music and arts festival at Kensigo Dam Plaza in Valhalla.
• 25:42
  SPEAKER_00: Shop, Nosh, and celebrate while enjoying Israeli live music, dancing, arts, and culture.
• 25:49
  SPEAKER_00: There will be kids' activities in more than 40 vendors offering crafts, jewelry, and community resources.
• 25:56
  SPEAKER_00: Kosher food vendors will serve up bites all day, bring a blanket or folding chair for lawn seating.
• 26:03
  SPEAKER_00: The event is rain or shine.
• 26:05
  SPEAKER_00: Coolers are not permitted, and overflow parking is available at the Valhalla North and White Plains Metro North Station.
• 26:14
  SPEAKER_00: Admission and parking is free.
• 26:16
  SPEAKER_00: Those are the parks events this week, County Executive.
• 26:19
  SPEAKER_00: Awesome.
• 26:21
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: All right, thank you, Joan.
• 26:23
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: That's this week in Westchester.
• 26:25
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: All right.
• 26:26
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So we had a lot of information that we share today.
• 26:30
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um we had first um director Larry Sowell, budget director Larry Sowell tell us um that our second quarter report, the forecast is is projecting in a positive um basis, going from the$16 million deficit out of our$2.5 billion budget um down to around 10 million uh$10 million, and we'll continue to be able to manage through that through all the work that we're doing together with everyone.
• 26:53
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We had um Jim Maisano come up and talk to us about doing so much consumer protection um opportunities, especially between the challenges, because um the uh the folks that are trying to take our money from us and steal that money are getting much, much more creative and working through things all the time, whether they are on Wi-Fi and in certain hotels, and people have been warned about that.
• 27:16
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um, using virtual private networks.
• 27:18
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I knew he threw a TLA with the three-letter acronym um to make sure that we um continue to do that with whether it's from a virtual private network or whether it's making sure you're using your cellular data instead of just jumping on somebody's free Wi-Fi, because free has not always free.
• 27:34
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um but again, we have free Wi-Fi here in the government building uh to make sure we we tell people that we are working as hard as we can, and Marguerite Byrne and the um Department of Information Technology team um continues to work hard and stay vigilant to protect our data.
• 27:49
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um, but again, when you're out and about in the world, you know, free, again, in a train station and and uh airports, et cetera, you have to um be extra careful and extra cautious on those kind of things that that are done.
• 28:01
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um we were able to um hear about the the the things that are happening from uh our new fire safety video and certainly the a public hearing that's happening on the 13th with uh for the omnifairs and which is really exciting for the for the students, which is 50% off and then extended of times, all the times 24 hours, weekends, etc.
• 28:24
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And again, more trips um to be able to see that school is a lot different for our students now um than it may have been in the past and be able to do that.
• 28:33
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um so again, make your voice heard at that August 13th um meeting.
• 28:37
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We have new rides coming up at Playland and certainly um making sure the prices uh were lower.
• 28:43
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Again, all those kind of things are so exciting, especially during this particular time of the year, um, to make sure that we're doing things in the nationally accredited and award-winning park system.
• 28:53
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: A lot of BYO, um BYOLC bring your own lawn chair events that that you continue to have happen.
• 28:59
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: But again, whether those events are free, make sure you download the parks app um on Google Play or an IOS app store to do that.
• 29:08
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um I think that we have so many things that are going on, even though it's kind of the lazy, hazy days of summer, and with the heat being as high as as it is, um, making sure that everyone's trying to take care and protect themselves and hydrate and try to stay through that again and navigate through the kind of weather um challenges that we have.
• 29:26
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We're gonna continue to do all that work together.
• 29:28
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I'm Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins.
• 29:30
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Thank you so much for watching.
• 29:32
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Make sure you take advantage of all of those things, whether going on to the county's website to understand all the great work that happens out of the Department of Consumer Protection, making sure that you get a chance to download those apps and see what things are happening in our park system, but also knowing that your um county government is working as hard as it can to manage um the resources that you give to us and protecting those tax dollars.
• 29:53
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Thanks a lot for watching.
• 29:55
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Have a wonderful day.