Long Beach makes another run at state bond money

Long Beach officials Tuesday asked the state Assembly and Senate to pass a new bond bill that would let the city borrow $12 million to help pay off a deficit as well as debts from superstorm Sandy.

If state lawmakers pass the bill, either in the fall or in January, it would help Long Beach correct a mistake that nixed a similar bill in June. State legislators passed the bill in June after Long Beach made a bond request to pay off its debts. The city was required to issue the bonds by June 30, but missed the deadline, officials said.

Tuesday, Long Beach again made the request to Albany legislators. This time the bill would require the city to issue bonds by June 30, 2015, according to documents filed at City Hall.

City manager Jack Schnirman said the deficit was a consequence of financial decisions made by previous Long Beach administrations.

"Tonight we renewed our request to finance the inherited deficit," Schnirman said after Tuesday night's council meeting.

Long Beach's City Council approved the request by a count of 4 to 0. Councilman John McLaughlin wasn't present.

The new state bills have already been issued by Assemb. Harvey Weisenberg (D-Long Beach) and State Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre), Long Beach officials said Tuesday. The Long Beach request, known as a home rule message, is needed to move the process forward, city officials said.

Schnirman has said the failure to issue bonds this year won't immediately impact city finances. However, Long Beach can eliminate an about $183-per-household surcharge sooner if the city is allowed to borrow, he has said.

The home rule message approved by Long Beach stated that the bonds must be paid back over 10 years. The bonds will help "restore fiscal balance to the city of Long Beach," the message stated.