The Suffolk County Legislature will consider two proposals that would let voters decide whether to raid two taxpayer preservation funds to close a massive budget gap.
The ballot measures, backed by County Executive Steve Bellone, would redirect about $100 million from a sewer tax stabilization fund, and from another fund used for open space preservation and water quality, towards balancing the budget.
“This is not a tough choice. This is easy. It literally has no impact on taxpayers, no negative impact on taxpayers, essential employees or on any governmental program,” Bellone said. He calls the measures “the lowest of lowest-hanging fruit.”
Republican Legislator Rob Trotta calls the plan a “disgrace.” He says county finances have been mismanaged for years, and now, personnel costs are too high.
“You have to freeze the salaries. You have to go to unions and ask for concessions. You know, I love the cops. I was one. I wish we could pay them $500,000 a year. But the reality is even before this, we couldn't afford to pay them $200,000 a year.”
The Legislature plans to vote this month on whether the proposals should be on the ballot in November.
Suffolk faces a $1.5 billion budget gap over the next year.
