Veto override lays off 88 in Suffolk

The Suffolk County Legislature Tuesday cleared the way for a $12 million police tax hike and avoided -- for now -- all but 88 of the 710 layoffs that County Executive Steve Levy had proposed.

By a 15-3 vote, lawmakers overrode the largest of Levy's vetoes to their 2012 budget amendments. That cemented the police tax increase, averaging $27 per household for the five western towns, the use of millions of dollars in reserves and funding for six months of nearly all employees who would have been cut Jan. 1.

While the overrides were expected, there were fireworks. After hearing from several workers slated to lose their jobs, Presiding Officer William Lindsay (D-Holbrook) noted that labor unions hadn't offered to accept a lag payroll, as elected officials and exempt employees have, and were only focusing on their losses.

"You know the one thing that wasn't said today? Thank you for saving 620 jobs!" he said, nearly shouting. "We did the best we could with a horrible, horrible budget."

Leaders of the legislature's bipartisan budget working group said raising the police tax allows the hiring of 80 new officers, avoiding a 40-year low in sworn staffing. They said they eliminated high-paying commissioners to save the jobs of more lower-paid workers.

"This was an effort by all of us to put forward something that would keep the county intact," said Minority Leader John Kennedy (R-Nesconset), adding that Levy's cuts would have the county "teetering on the brink of total collapse."

Levy, however, said the lawmakers' budget endangers Suffolk's bond rating because it taps $12 million in tax stabilization reserves. He also complained about hikes in fees and Suffolk Bus fares, saying they hurt average residents.

"I was expecting the Democrats to vote for a tax increase, but it was a surprise to see the head of the Republican caucus leading the charge," Levy said.

The legislature and incoming County Executive Steve Bellone, a Democrat, will have to come up with funding for the 622 spared positions after June 30. Tuesday, the legislature suggested another challenge.

In January, Bellone will be able to propose the first 2012 budget amendments. Legislative analysts said it would take $3.5 million more from reserves to restore the 88 eliminated positions through at least June, but that the $7 million in full-year savings from the layoffs would also be nullified.

"There's no reason to lay them off," said Legis. Tom Cilmi (R-Bay Shore) Earlier, the loudest voices among those employees came from civilian Suffolk police public information officers. By eliminating 11 of the unit's 13 members, they said handling media requests and Crime Stoppers tips would be hurt.

"Would you have made these cuts three weeks ago, knowing what you know today?" asked public information officer Robert Busweiler.

In other action Tuesday, the legislature approved a law requiring registered sex offenders to notify police when camping overnight at county parks. Violations carry a fine of up to $250.The legislature also approved a law allowing seized properties that the county is unable to auction to be transferred to towns for affordable housing purposes, including homes for returning veterans.

The lawmakers also established a new program that allows private groups to restore historic structures on county parkland. Officials will now issue requests for proposal for properties including the Elwood Schoolhouse, Robinson Duck Farm in South Haven and Black Duck Lodge in Flanders.