Nassau lawmakers pass cost-cutting measures

The Nassau County Legislature unanimously passed two cost-cutting proposals recommended by County Executive Edward Mangano Monday, one for purchases and the other for salaries.

The first proposal, a partnership with Universal Management Technology Solutions, a Manhattan advisory firm, could save Nassau as much as $25 million in the first year, said Chief Deputy County Executive Rob Walker.

"Under the contract approved by the legislature, UMTS will review agency spending and contracted services, as well as inventory and usage of purchased products, to compare the county's use-based needs to its historical purchasing," Walker said. "This needs-based approach will help reduce spending."

The agreement with Universal allows the Manhattan firm to earn 14 cents on every dollar it saves Nassau from its contracts, most of which are for one year.

Also Monday, the legislature approved a retirement incentive of $1,000 for every year of service for Civil Service Employee Association workers who quit by July 20.

Walker told the legislature that each person who resigns saves the county about $100,000. CSEA Local 830 president Jerry Laricchiuta said that, despite this being the third incentive in about a year, employees seem to be attracted to the latest one because "there is fear" about layoffs.

The incentive, announced July 2, is meant to entice higher-paid workers to leave and reduce layoffs. Mangano promised to institute layoffs after the county legislature rejected $40.8 million in borrowing.

Democrats declined to provide the three votes needed by the Republican majority. Democrats say they won't vote for any new borrowing without a legislative redistricting plan that is "fairer" than the one Republicans originally proposed.