BOL Chairman Kaplowitz Declines County Funded SUV, Other Perks

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Mike Kaplowitz, who is the chairman of Westchester County Board of Legislators, is taking steps to curb spending within Board of Legislator operations to save taxpayers money.

Chairman Mike Kaplowitz takes steps to help taxpayers save money.
Photo Credit: *File*

by Alesha Hanson

01/31/2014 7:00 p.m.

The first step he is taking directly affects his position. Kaplowitz is declining to accept the county funded SUV that has been a perk of the chairman's position for a long time. The free ride cost taxpayers approximately $3,500 in payments per year and at least $2,000 in gas reimbursements.

Other notable cost-saving measures are:

Elimination of approximately 50 percent of staff BlackBerries
Cancellation of Burrell's news-clipping service contract
Ending the contract for photography services
Elimination of Board of Legislators' counsel position

Kaplowitz is known as a fiscal watchdog and previously served as chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee.

"These savings are modest compared to the overall county budget, but they are indicative of the approach we will take to protecting taxpayer money," Kaplowitz said.

"Every dollar that we save contributes to our mission of providing programs and services for our residents in need. I will continue to engage the BOL staff to identify opportunities for cost savings in all of our operations."

"This is something Westchester families do around their kitchen tables every day, we will bring that same level of attention to our spending as well."

Click here to follow Daily Voice Ossining and receive free news updates.