Bellone passes on part of authorized pay

Suffolk Executive Steve Bellone is to be paid $187,000 this year, $4,000 less than predecessor Steve Levy. Deputy County Executive Jon Schneider said Bellone is legally entitled to $208,000 but "recognizes we have some very serious budget challenges . . . and wanted to lead by example."

Chief deputy Regina Calcaterra receives $177,793; Schneider, $150,000; spokeswoman Vanessa Baird-Streeter, $125,000; deputy Eric Kopp, $121,495; lobbyist Luis Montes, $110,000; and legislative liaison Ben Zwirn $109,985. Schneider said the full county executive staff cost is $1,536,936, versus $2,166,043 under Levy last year.

-- Rick Brand