District 10 Update: December 12, 2025

This week, the Board passed the revised budget for 2026. In all my years in office, both in this role and on the Eastchester Board of Education, I don't remember a time when the budget presented such a challenge. We were asked to weigh competing needs, protect core services, and keep taxpayers in mind while navigating economic pressures created by outside forces. Even with those challenges, I am proud to share that we worked together to bring the proposed tax levy down from 5.27% to 3.7%. While still not ideal, it is a reduction of more than 1.5% from where we started, and it reflects days and nights of negotiation, analysis, and genuine collaboration among the Board, the Executive office, and the dedicated staff who worked to find responsible ways to do more with less. We also fought to restore some funding to many of our private partners – community-based and non-profit organizations. The original proposed budget would have cut 70% from those programs. We were to bring back 30%. While a bit better, this is still a significant cut for many of the organizations that serve our seniors, our youth, our vulnerable neighbors, and our shared quality of life. These partners are essential to the fabric of District 10. If you are able, I encourage you to consider donating to one of our terrific, local charitable non-profit organizations this year. Your support will help them continue their work and ensure that the services our community relies on remain strong. As always, thank you for trusting me to fight for our district, make responsible decisions, and put people first. With best wishes for a Happy Holiday Season and New Year. Please check out my weekly update below, which includes information on the following: District 10 Events Westchester County Board of Legislators Passes 2026 County Budget Board Honors Outgoing Legislators with Distinguished Service Awards County Seeking Nominations for Annual Youth Service Awards Public Hearing on Proposed Bee-Line Fare Increases What's Happening in Our Parks Happy Hanukkah Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter! Sincerely, Judah Holstein Legislator, 10th District District 10 Events Free parking in New Rochelle through December Enjoy free parking at select New Rochelle lots through December 31 between 9 AM and 9 PM. Full details are available online.   New Rochelle Youth Holiday Market Shop youth-created gifts at the New Rochelle Youth Holiday Market from Friday, December 5 through Sunday, December 14 at 29 LeCount Place. More information is available online.   Eastchester Winter Festival & Santa Join the Winter Festival on Saturday, December 13 from 11:30 AM to 2 PM at Eastchester Town Hall. Full event details are available online.   Bethesda Baptist Church Holiday Shopping Spree Visit Bethesda Baptist Church's Holiday Shopping Spree on Saturday, December 13 at 71 Lincoln Avenue in New Rochelle to enjoy food, music, and local vendors. For more information, contact Jareca Lee at 914-530-1973.   Chanukah lighting at Depot Square Celebrate Chanukah with neighbors at Depot Square in Tuckahoe on Monday, December 15 at 7 PM. Additional details are available online.   Eastchester annual Chanukah gelt drop Join the Chabad Jewish Center of Eastchester on Wednesday, December 17 at 5 PM at Memorial Park for free treats, music, and the annual Chanukah Gelt Drop. This event is open to all.   Live Nativity in Tuckahoe Experience a live nativity with animals at Eastchester Church on Friday, December 19, Saturday, December 20 and Wednesday, December 24 at 7:30 PM. Event information is available online.   Westchester County Board of Legislators Passes 2026 County Budget On Monday, the Westchester County Board of Legislators voted by overwhelming majority to pass the 2026 Westchester County Budget. The approved budget reduced the County Executive's proposed property tax increase from 5.27% to 3.7% while remaining tax cap compliant. The $2.5 billion spending plan provides critical social services for Westchester residents including childcare assistance, enhanced health programs, support for domestic violence survivors, and resources to address food insecurity. Westchester's 2026 County Budget reduces nearly all County department budgets by 8% and eliminates 180 positions, reducing our workforce by almost 5%. Residents helped shaped the FY2026 plan by providing input during a series of public engagement sessions across Westchester.   Details regarding the 2026 budget deliberations can be found on the Budget Dashboard. Board Honors Outgoing Legislators with Distinguished Service Awards On Monday, the Board of Legislators presented the County's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, to outgoing Legislators Benjamin Boykin II and Catherine F. Parker for their exceptional public service. County Seeking Nominations for Annual Youth Service Awards The Youth Bureau is seeking nominations for 11th and 12th graders who exemplify leadership and commitment to volunteerism. Nomination forms are due January 8, 2026 at 5 PM. Awards presentation will be February 12 at the Michaelian Office Building. Public Hearing on Proposed Bee-Line Fare Increases Westchester County will hold a public hearing on December 18 at 5:30 PM on proposed fare adjustments to align with the MTA's OMNY system. The hearing will be held in conference room 527 on the 5th floor of the Michaelian Office Building. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide input. Changes take effect January 4, 2026. For full details and virtual registration click here. What's Happening in Our Parks All aboard! It's time for Holidays on the Hill Annual Train Show at Lasdon Public Gardens and Veterans Memorial. Check out Westchester County Parks events here. Happy Hanukkah Sending warm wishes to all who celebrate the Festival of Lights, which begins this Sunday evening. May this season bring you and your loved ones peace, joy, and hope as we honor the traditions and spirit of Hanukkah.