Neighbor News
Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Bellone Initiatives
More than 60 Percent Approve Historic Consolidation, Clean Water Referendum Passes 2 to 1
Message from Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone:
I am proud that 2 referenda I put forward to protect taxpayers and clean water were overwhelmingly approved by voters yesterday. Thank you to everyone who came out and voted yes on Propositions 4 and 5. I am eager to take my ideas directly to Suffolk County taxpayers and trust you to support common sense ideas to make our government more efficient. That trust was reaffirmed last night and I cannot thank you enough for your help.
Proposition 4 finally merges the offices of County Comptroller and Treasurer in 2018, bringing Suffolk County up to speed with the rest of New York State’s 62 counties and saving taxpayers an estimated $1.29 million in just the first two years by eliminating several unnecessary patronage positions. I would like to thank Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay III for introducing this measure.
Proposition 5 authorizes the County to restore approximately $29.4 million in funds to support clean water projects such as expanding sewer systems and installing advanced wastewater treatment systems, as well as purchasing open space for environmental protection. The referendum will allow the county to move forward with the $46 million sewer infrastructure fund, which will help to reduce nitrogen pollution and restore coastal vegetation along the County’s shorelines, strengthening our natural defenses against storms. It also allows Suffolk County to borrow from an historic surplus in the Assessment Stabilization Reserve Fund in order to hold the line on taxes.
Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone