Suffolk County Notebook: Levy Focuses on Finances In State Of County

The spotlight on Suffolk County's government shifted this week to County Executive Steve Levy's eighth State of the County address. While some legislators criticized it as an election year ploy, it attempts to address the county's fiscal issues in a myriad of ways. 

Levy said that while the federal government is $1.5 trillion in debt and New York State $10 billion, Suffolk County's finances remain stable with no increase in the General Fund tax in seven years due to cost-cutting measures. These actions have included civilization of traditionally public sector jobs, the closure of Foley nursing home and more. 

In his speech, Levy introduced a host of initiatives designed to take down the "Unsustainable Quo," his term for mounting costs from increasing state-mandated pension plans, health care and the MTA payroll tax. 

His support and proposed initiatives include: 

• A 10 percent cut to spending across the board in all departments of Suffolk County government.
• For New York State government to give control of mandated costs including public employee pensions into the control of the county. 
• To establish a Tier 6, Defined Contribution plan for all new public sector employees, similar to a 401K program for private business employees, to have them contribute towards pension and/or retirement. 
• A cap on mandatory union arbitration that would limit salary increases to no more then 2 percent per year  while ending step increase for management level employees. 
• A requirement for all non-civil service public sector employees to pay part of their health benefits. 
• Levy supported the 2 percent property tax cap proposed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and in addition seeks to limit Suffolk County spending to 2 percent per year. 
• Asking New York state to create a pre-paid tuition plan for all state public universities and college to keep higher education affordable for working families.

Levy Unveils New East End Economic Hub

The county executive was joined by public officials in announcing $1.8 million in infrastructure work has been on the grounds of Gabreski Airport. A special public unveiling was held Friday. 

The unveiling marks a milestone in the development of 58 acres surrounding Gabreski Airport into an industrial and high tech business development, a joint venture with the Town of Southampton started in 2005.  

Completed work includes new roads, sewers, curbs, utilities and infrastructure behind a newly minted entrance and gate to "The Hampton Business District At Gabreski." 

Suffolk County officials hope the hub could attract 600-700 new high paying jobs to the area.

County Road 39 To Get Second Eastbound Lane

Suffolk County officials announced Friday work will begin to create a second eastbound lane along County Road 39. 

Starting after Labor Day, construction will begin to create a second travel lane eastbound in addition along a 1.5-mile stretch of County Road 39 from North Sea Road east to Montauk Highway. 

This is the third phase in a $4.5 million Suffolk capital improvement project that's been dubbed the "Municipal Miracle." Previously, phases one and two saw 4.5 miles of County Road 39 receive a second eastbound lane and turning lane in efforts to ease congestion. 

Correction: Patch originally cited that New York State government's debt was $1.5 trillion, which is the federal government debt. New York State's debt currently stands at $10 million.