Mineola, NY - Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) took the first step toward restoring Nassau County's fiscal stability when she approved County Executive Thomas Suozzi's four year financial plan. Presiding Officer Jacobs signaled overall support for the fiscal package that addresses the spiraling deficit through good management practices, labor savings, workforce reductions, and debt restructuring, and sets the County on the path to sound financial health.

"This four year plan, touted by NIFA, all three ratings agencies, the LIA and ABLI and others as professional, comprehensive and achievable, provides a solid foundation on which this County can continued to build," said Presiding Officer Jacobs. "After years of trying to do the right thing for Nassau County residents, and being foiled in our attempts by a non-functioning County Executive and Republican minority that is determined to obstruct this County's recovery, I am so happy to be a part of the solution."

Republicans, who joined former County Executive Thomas Gulotta in rejecting the Democratic majority's 2001 and 2002 budget recommendations, thereby preventing the County from taking its first steps toward fiscal recovery, again voted in opposition, refusing to support the Suozzi administration's efforts in righting the wrongs of the past.

County Executive Suozzi's financial plan is a blueprint for tax years 2002-2005, combining more than $300 million in cuts and cost-saving initiatives with a 19.4% tax increase on the County portion of residents' tax bills. Homeowners will pay an average of $226 more annually.

The four year plan estimates savings of $100 million by trimming 1,200 employees from the workforce, approximately 900 through attrition, early retirements, and employee evaluations. Some $68 million will be saved through the implementation of smart initiatives that restructure and streamline government. There will be additional savings from improved and upgraded technology, more efficient use of County-owned office space, and use of in-house attorneys rather than contracting out legal work.

Labor concessions are estimated to account for $65 million in savings and through debt restructuring the County will save $79 million. The tax increase will be used to pay the burgeoning debt associated with tax grievances.

"My commitment to all Nassau County residents is that I will continue to work to ensure that they can be proud to live here, to depend on the services they have come to expect, and maintain the quality of life that makes the County such a special place to live. I believe this four year plan sets out a road map for success and I am behind it 100%," said Presiding Officer Jacobs.

Democratic legislators have identified $6 million in new initiatives that are intended to provide the County Executive with options and ideas for bridging the financial gap during the preparation of his 2003 budget this fall. The initiatives range in savings from $100,000 to $2.7 million and include a health contribution from non-union employees, increases in PILOT (Payment in Lieu Of Taxes) payment revenues, increases in various fees, and night simulcasting of Thoroughbred Racing at OTB.

Other items on the April 15 agenda included approval of a local law regulating carbon dioxide emissions from power plants in Nassau County. The bill increases the overall efficiency of power plants and steam generating facilities by encouraging the incorporation of technological advances. The dramatic increase in demand for electricity, together with the deregulation of the industry, has resulted in a surge of new entities applying for permits to build new generating plants or expanding existing ones. This law is aimed at ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment in Nassau County.

• Ordinances appropriating $20,000 for Senior Medicare Patrol; $41,902 for Long Term Care Ombudsman Program; $203,732 for Buckle Up New York; and $13,850 for Child Passenger Safety.
• A resolution to execute an agreement with Temple Beth Sholom, Inc. which is dedicating real property and easements to Nassau County, north of the intersection of Roslyn Road and the Northern State Parkway.
• A resolution ratifying a grant application with the New York State Archives and Records Administration/Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund in the amount of $75,000.
• A resolution ratifying a grant application with the New York State Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives whereby the County will receive $497,600 in state funds towards the Alternatives to Incarceration Program.