Legislator Yatauro Delivers No Tax Increase 2010 County Budget

Responding to residents’ concerns regarding the impact of the nationwide recession on Nassau County, Legislator Diane Yatauro (D-Glen Cove) voted with the Democratic Majority to pass a no tax increase budget for 2010. The budget protects essential County services without an increase in property taxes. The Legislative Majority worked through the nation’s most difficult economic crisis since the Great Depression and still managed to keep financial bond ratings at the highest level in decades. Not only is there no increase in taxes, but the County portion of the property tax bill will represent 16.9 percent of the total, down from 22.7 percent.

Legislator Yatauro said, “The budget adoption was the result of hundreds of hours of serious discussion where legislators and staff worked to streamline services, consolidate departments, and reduce spending. The bottom line result is a no tax increase budget which is good news for our constituents. County services will be maintained without adding one cent to the property tax bill.”

The 2010 budget maintains spending increases at a record low 0.5 percent which is far below the CPI (Consumer Price Index). This was accomplished despite an increase of $38 million in contractual raises for union employees; $19 million in additional state and federally mandated social services; and other mandated costs. If these costs were not addressed, it could have resulted in a 4.3 percent property tax increase. The no tax increase budget was realized after the restructuring and streamlining of County departments. Duplicated services were eliminated; technological services were consolidated; building, fleet and park maintenance staffs were merged into the Public Works Department. Many police department positions were civilianized and Nassau County’s crime rate remains the lowest of any municipality of its size in the nation.

“I want to thank my Majority colleagues for their cooperative spirit and hard work. We have delivered a sound budget in a sagging economy,” concluded Legislator Yatauro. The budget was approved by a 10-9 vote with all ten Democrats voting “yes.”