Suozzi: No Property Tax Hike in New Nassau Budget

Suozzi: No property tax hike in new Nassau budget

By Sid Cassese

While putting the finishing touches of next year's operating budget, County Executive Thomas Suozzi said one thing is for sure, his proposed spending plan of $2.617 billion - about $13 million more than this year - will not have a county property tax hike.

"This percentage of increase is the smallest I can ever remember," Suozzi said Monday of the budget he must present to the county legislature Tuesday.

His plan includes a proposal, though still not approved by the state, for a $1.50 per pack tax on cigarettes sold in Nassau. It's expected to bring the county $16 million annually. "The supporting legislation has been drafted in the State Assembly, with a 'same-as' being drafted in the Senate," he added.

Suozzi's proposed budget, though, still relies on a modestly optimistic 1.75 percent increase in sales tax revenue, which is the county's largest income stream, accounting for nearly 40 percent of its budget. This year, it appears such revenue will have dropped between 6 and 8 percent from last year, county officials said.

Suozzi, who is running for re-election in November, said he has enough federal and state aid, along with labor givebacks negotiated this year, to maintain this year's $130 million in cuts through 2010.

Still, there is $75 million in labor obligations and state mandates that must be met.

Suozzi's GOP opponent, Legis. Edward Mangano of Bethpage, said: "Don't be fooled by this so-called no tax hike budget, Suozzi already has increased taxes the equivalent of 4.5 percent with the home energy tax he put into effect in June. And we don't know what other surprises he has up his sleeve."

Suozzi said he is cutting wherever possible, and with his employee count down to under 8,800, primarily because of this year's cash incentives for Civil Service Employees Association members and police retirees, he has significant savings.

Tom Stokes, Suozzi's top financial aide, said 350 vacant jobs are in the budget, and "right now, we're thinking about filling maybe 200."

Stokes also said $10 million in savings is expected from purchasing and there will be consolidation and realignment of some departments.