2012 Budget Plan Moves Forward

Since Nassau’s labor unions have not provided the voluntary concessions required by law, County Executive Edward P. Mangano submitted to the County Legislature plans that achieve $73.2 million in annual reoccurring labor-related budget savings as required by the 2012 budget. Together, the County and Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA) officials asked union presidents to work with the administration to achieve voluntary savings through negotiations. To date, negotiations have not produced the required voluntary savings. This first-round of automatic triggers will be implemented through legislation which institutes layoffs and demotions. The plan includes:

• An approximate 400 headcount reduction through layoffs and attrition (no police officers will be taken off the streets).
• 200+ demotions.

The legislation submitted today will be amended to reflect any labor deal reached. The budget provides that if an additional $75 million in budget savings are not reached by February 1, 2012, additional labor savings/reductions will occur.

County Executive Mangano stated, “There is still a small window for Nassau’s union presidents to come forward with voluntary concessions that avoid severe layoffs. I do not take joy in laying off a single employee or demanding concessions; however, the approved 2012 budget sets a payroll allocation that must be met.”

With the average compensation package reaching $285,692 for Superior Officers, $246,668 for Detectives, $198,357 for PBA Officers, $155,005 for Sheriff Officers and $109,461 for CSEA employees, there is room to help Nassau County government through this tough economy.