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        Jun 30, 2000

Democrats: 'Let's get to work on 2001 budget'
Urges County Exec to submit budget prior to Sept. 15 deadline


Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) and the Democratic Majority are urging the County Executive to move the September 15 budget deadline to earlier in the month, a move they say is necessary in order to consider the more than $2 billion budget and adopt a four-year financial plan, as required by the Nassau County Interim Financing Authority (NIFA).

"I think the County Executive will agree that we must begin right away, again jointly, to put the next piece of the NIFA puzzle in place," Jacobs said. "Early submission of the budget will minimize the potential for surprises and 'non-starter' proposals," she added.

In a letter to County Executive Thomas Gulotta, Jacobs stated, "Allotting extra time to consider the budget is crucial this year in light of the fact that, in addition to the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, the four-year financial plan by NIFA must also be considered."

According to the County Charter, the legislature must consider and adopt the County Executive's budget within a 45-day period, from September 15 to October 30. In the past, Democrats have proposed legislation to move the deadline to earlier in the month.

Presiding Officer Jacobs also stressed that the Office of the County Executive and the Legislature must embark upon an informed and cooperative early start on both the budget for Fiscal Year 2001 and the four-year financial plan.

"I believe that swift consideration of the budget and the four year plan would be facilitated if representatives from the County Executive's office and the County Legislature exchanged ideas on an on-going basis throughout the next two months," Jacobs said. "These meetings could hopefully assist in developing common parameters for the budget and the four-year financial plan."

According to Jacobs, NIFA Chairman Frank Zarb has indicated that he hopes the budget and plan will be submitted in advance of the actual date required by the County Charter.

"The challenges before us are daunting, but they are not insurmountable. I believe they can be successfully met on behalf of the betterment of the residents of Nassau County," Jacobs said.