Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino used his first State of the County address to explain how the county can close a projected deficit of $166 million without raising taxes and preserving essential services.

“Closing a $166 million deficit would require a 30 percent tax hike. That’s beyond unacceptable,” he remarked April 22 from the Board of Legislators’ Chambers in White Plains. “I was elected to stop spiraling tax hikes. I am committed to doing just that. In the fall, I will submit a budget to the Board of Legislators that is balanced and has a zero percent increase in the county tax levy.”

Astorino offered no new spending proposals but announced a major savings initiative for longtime employees to voluntarily leave their jobs, which is estimated to save between $6.8 and $19.1 million in 2011.

“The challenge is to make the tough calls and be willing to endure short-term pain and disruptions so that long-term solutions, which will allow the county to continue to provide services to those who need them the most, can emerge and take hold,” he said.

Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins (D/Yonkers) applauded what he termed a “sobering, yet uplifting message to the people.”

“The speech provided a vision for the future comprised of serious, achievable, bipartisan goals that will move our county in a bold, new direction,” Jenkins said.

During his speech, Astorino also paid special tribute to several county residents who he said epitomize the “talent and spirit” of county residents and employees. One of those residents was Irvington girls basketball coach Gina Maher.

Meanwhile, during the county’s annual Earth Day Celebration on April 18, Astorino honored the Village of Irvington for producing comprehensive solid waste and recycling informational material for residents, and Hackley School senior Katie Fein for coordinating a recycling and school-wide food waste composting program, and organizing the Student Summit for Sustainability.