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        June 12, 2000

Dems reach targeted goals for 2000 & 2001
Restore vital services to human service programs and bus


In their first opportunity to tackle the County's budget crisis, the members of the Democratic Majority demonstrated their commitment to make the tough choices needed to restore fiscal health to the County while protecting Nassau's most vulnerable citizens.

After round-the-clock negotiations, Democrats reached an agreement this past weekend with the County Executive and Republican legislators to reduce the County's budget deficit by $52 million in fiscal year 2000 and $56 million in annual savings for next year, while at the same time restoring many of the cuts that had been made and proposed to human service agencies and programs.

The agreement between Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), County Executive Thomas Gulotta and Republican legislators, if accepted by State officials, would achieve the first level of County actions required by the State's $105 million NIFA bailout plan.

"We have succeeded in fulfilling a promise made back in January to make progress in restoring and protecting services, while demanding governmental efficiencies and reductions in wasteful county spending," said Presiding Officer Jacobs, "but hard work still remains. We will continue to be vigilant in attacking waste and mismanagement in Nassau County."

Highlights of the reductions include:

Non-Union benefit reductions and eliminations
  • Elimination of longevity pay for non-union employees
  • Elimination of meal allowances for non-union employees
  • Reduction and sale of County vehicles

    County hiring restrictions
  • A hiring freeze for all County employees, which would result in replacing approximately one of every 10 people whom leave.
  • A wage freeze for non-union employees

    Staffing Reduction incentive
  • Agreement to implement severance package first, with guarantee to achieve targeted position reductions.

    Reduction in use of private attorneys
  • The County Executive has committed himself to filling the 10 vacant positions in the County's Attorney office in order to reduce the dependency on outside counsel.

    A $1.1 million reduction in personal service contracts

    Government efficiencies and reforms
    - In Police Department
  • Modified staffing
  • Civilianization
    - In Correctional Center
  • ·Overtime controls
    - Streamline and consolidate the Dept of Cultural Development

    Increase in gun permit fees

    Restorations:
  • No service cuts to Long Island Bus for 2000 or 2001
  • $1.1 million to social service programs for the remainder of year and $2.5 million restored for 2001
  • The day care salary enhancement program is preserved. Adopted ChildCare Commission proposal to implement a slight increase in the parental contribution.