Westchester County, NY to Lay Off 226

Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino yesterday released a proposed county budget that included $33 million in spending cuts compared to the previous year’s budget. The vast majority of the savings come from a reduced workforce, including 465 early retirements and 226 layoffs.

“Behind each of these layoffs,” said Astorino, “are individuals and families, so I fully understand the hardship created by this kind of action.” Astorino was elected last year on a platform of cost-cutting.

Westchester County, north of New York City, includes the city of White Plains. The total proposed county budget for 2011 is $1.78 billion.