Officials: Layoffs may hit rookie cops

If 38 senior Suffolk police officers retire, an equal number of new recruits won't be laid off this summer, county officials said.

Through a deal with the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association, detailed Thursday, the more-tenured officers have until April 16 to retire and receive their full accrued-time payouts. Should 38 accept, sworn officers won't be among the nearly 500 county employees set to lose their jobs July 1.

Otherwise, the 38 police layoffs, per civil service rules, would come from the lowest rung: meaning two-thirds of a 60-member academy class would be eliminated on the day they graduate.

"I think everyone understands there's no silver bullet to eliminate this deficit," said Deputy County Executive Jon Schneider, referencing Suffolk's $530 million deficit projection through 2013. "We're hoping this serves as a template of how we can work together to protect a core function like public safety and protect taxpayer dollars."

Retirement of 38 senior officers would cost the county $5.2 million in accrued time payouts, Schneider said, noting that the money is already budgeted. Recurring yearly salary savings would be $1 million.

PBA leaders praised County Executive Steve Bellone's office for reaching an agreement before imposing layoffs of police rookies, and expressed hope that more senior retirements would provide a buffer from future cuts.

"We're all in this together," said PBA second vice president Noel DiGerolamo. "Loss of employment would just exacerbate the problems we face."

Legis. Kate Browning (WF-Shirley), the public safety committee chairwoman, credited Bellone and the union for cooperation.

"The concern is saving jobs," she said. "On its face, it sounds like a very good agreement."

The deal came to light as Bellone's "performance management team" leader addressed lawmakers for the first time. New Deputy County Executive Thomas Melito, a longtime Babylon town consultant, spoke of streamlining government -- but promised measures that go beyond slashing payroll.

"We're not viewing our mission as being here to eliminate jobs," he told the legislature's government operations committee.

Later, Melito added that his team has already suggested consolidating outside agency contracts and other services duplicated across departments, as well as using empty county office space to cut back on rent paid for other facilities.

Such measures, he said, could save Suffolk $25 million over the next two years.

"Your work is not only needed," Legis. Edward Romaine (R-Center Moriches) told him, "but it is urgent."

Also yesterday, the government operations committee confirmed the appointment of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Robert Meguin.The attorney, who unsuccessfully ran for Southold Town supervisor last fall, told lawmakers that added enforcement could mean added county revenue."We need more inspectors and we need more investigators," he said.