Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine looks to raise taxes in upcoming $4B budget

Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine has proposed a $4 billion county budget for the upcoming year that will raise property taxes while maintaining services, boosting information technology spending and adding a net 95 police officers.

Total spending under the plan, Romaine’s first since taking office in January and the first time in five years the county executive has submitted a budget on time, would rise about 3.7% from the current $3.9 billion. The additional spending is largely driven by a combined $128 million increase in employee health care and pension costs.

"We're in good shape for the future. This is a good budget," Romaine said in an interview with Newsday Monday. "We're still living with inflation. It means everything we look to do is costing more."

Romaine noted the budget stays within the state cap on property tax increases and keeps the county’s robust reserves intact, which Romaine said will help Suffolk improve its credit rating and lower interest rates on future borrowing.

Those who live in the five western towns and pay into the county police fund would see an increase of about $49 per year. Those who live in the East End towns would see an average annual increase of about $4.60.

Sales tax collections account for about $2 billion, or about half, of all county revenue and the county is facing a $50 million projected shortfall in 2024 sales tax revenue.

Christina Capobianco, deputy county executive for finance, noted that 2023 spending is about $80 million lower than estimates and increases in other revenues will help offset the shortfall.

Other challenges include the loss of about $8 million in red light camera program revenue after the program expires in December and $13 million in uncollected school bus camera program revenue.

The budget calls for hiring 225 police officers, which Romaine said will mean a net gain of 95 officers following likely retirements. The county will also hire 30 deputy sheriffs and 14 probation officers. Romaine campaigned on a pro-law enforcement message and received the backing of the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association, whose PAC spent more than $500,000 supporting his 2023 campaign.

"It's obvious that he places a priority on having more police officers on the street and we're very, very pleased with that," said PBA president Lou Civello.

The County Legislature must hold two public hearings and adopt the budget by Nov. 6. 

Legislative Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) said the spending plan appeared strong, but is awaiting a comprehensive report from the legislature’s Budget Review Office.

"It's responsible and it doesn't cut into any of the reserves," he said.

Legislators Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) and minority leader Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), the two Democrats on the legislature’s budget committee, did not return a call seeking comment on the budget.

Employee health plan costs are expected rise $85 million next year over the estimated 2024 amount and pension costs are projected to rise $43 million.

The budget’s executive summary notes the county is facing rising medical and prescription drug costs including a 240% increase since 2022 for GLP-1 diabetes and weight loss drugs.

The employee medical health plan is expected to transition from Anthem Blue Cross to Aetna in January, a move budget analysts say could save the county $100 million over the next five years.

About half the increased pensioned costs, which is determined by the state comptroller’s office, are attributed to benefit changes for the state’s Tier 6 employees, or those hired after April 1, 2012.

Romaine acknowledged the increased pension and health insurance cost will also come into play as contracts with all nine of the county’s unions expire at the end of the year.

Romaine said the budget includes funding for county Department of Social Services training, additional employees and wage increases to attract recruits. The budget would also move the county’s emergency medical services department, currently under the Health Department, to the Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services.

Dan Levler, president of the Association of Municipal Employees, the county’s largest union representing most non-law enforcement workers, said it is working with the county executive to ensure appropriate staffing levels.

"Attracting the best qualified men and women in the public sector to join our essential workforce requires sufficient funding to offer competitive wages and quality benefits and we are encouraged that, at first glance, the administration's proposed budget reflects that commitment," Levler said in a statement.

By Vera Chinese

vera.chinese@newsday.com@VeraChinese

Vera Chinese joined Newsday in 2017 after working as an editor for the East End lifestyle publication northforker and a general assignment reporter for the New York Daily News.