Suffolk Lawmakers Approve $3.4 Billion Budget: Report

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Suffolk lawmakers adopted a $3.74 billion budget that freezes taxes for the general fund and the police district, but increases spending by about 1.5 percent while allocating more funds to areas like cybersecurity and law enforcement, Newsday reported.

The budget, which passed 14-4, raises spending for information technology by over $7 million, adds 19 cybersecurity positions, and increases the district attorney's office line by $15 million for 28 new positions needed for state-mandated discovery requirements, the outlet reported.

It also allows for 25 new police officers and an increase in police overtime to $2.6 million, according to the outlet.

In a statement to Patch, County Executive Steve Bellone said that the budget "protects taxpayers, addresses cyber security, invests in public safety and in combatting the opioid epidemic," and continues officials' "efforts to reform government."

"I want to thank my partners in the legislature for their work under challenging circumstances and I look forward to fully implementing these bipartisan efforts," he added.

For more in Newsday, click here.