Nassau delays budget hearing again

For the second time in a month, the Nassau County Legislature has postponed a committee hearing on the budget because of the county's pending lawsuit seeking to block the Nassau Interim Finance Authority from taking control of its spending.

Nassau County Attorney John Ciampoli told members of the Budget Review Committee on Wednesday that he had hoped for a court decision by now. He said that having administration budget officials testify before the legislature could "complicate the issues or potentially compromise the case."

The NIFA board voted unanimously Jan. 26 to take control of county spending, finding there was a budget gap of $176 million, far beyond the gap of 1 percent - $26 million - that could trigger a takeover.

County Executive Edward Mangano sued to block the NIFA move, arguing that the budget was balanced and that NIFA had exceeded its authority. NIFA has agreed not to exercise its power while the court decision is pending.

Justice Arthur Diamond of State Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the case last month and said he would rule before the end of March.

The Budget Review Committee had to cancel a Feb. 4 hearing on the budget when Ciampoli objected. Legis. Peter Schmitt of Massapequa, the Republican presiding officer, issued a subpoena at the time to have county officials present for Wednesday's hearing.

After the postponement Wednesday, Schmitt said the subpoena remains in effect, but he will not schedule another hearing until the court rules.