Suffolk's '27 budget would freeze taxes but charge more for county police

Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine released his proposed $4.59 billion spending plan for the 2027 fiscal year that freezes general fund taxes while increasing taxes for the police district to keep the county's law enforcement agencies fully staffed.

The budget, which was submitted late Friday to the Republican-controlled Suffolk County Legislature for review, would rise about 6.8% from the current $4.3 billion spending plan.

The budget shows the amount collected through taxes for the police district, paid by property owners in Suffolk's five western towns, would increase about $18 million. The East End towns of Southampton, East Hampton, Riverhead, Shelter Island and Southold employ their own police departments.

The budget stays within the state-mandated tax cap, "protecting homeowners and supporting affordability for families and businesses across Suffolk," Romaine, a Republican, wrote in a letter to legislators.

The county projects an average homeowner tax bill of $1,420, a $64 increase compared to last year, according to the preliminary budget. 

"Affordability and fiscal responsibility are at the forefront of our residents’ minds and remain a top priority for this administration," Romaine said in a statement. "This year’s budget reflects our ongoing commitment to prudent financial management and ensures we remain well-prepared for future challenges. As such, I will not be raising general fund taxes for 2027."

The county will rely on higher than expected sales tax revenue with receipts for the current year expected about 6% higher compared to what was budgeted, according to the budget's executive summary. That increase to about $1.9 billion was driven by "unexpected economic factors" that include "inflationary pressures" from the ongoing Iran war that began in February. Sales tax represents the largest source of revenue in the county budget.

The county will pay approximately $31 million more in pension expenses, an 11.5% increase.

"These are costs New York State puts on the shoulders of Suffolk’s taxpayers, and we are obligated to meet these demands," Romaine said.

The budget factors in revenue of about $402 million in state aid and $277 million in federal aid.

Employee medical health plan costs are also projected to increase by $43 million, or 7.3% compared to the 2026 budget.

Romaine has said it's important to maintain reserves, and the budget shows a total of $848.9 million, not accounting for sewer reserve funds, for 2027.

"Suffolk County residents deserve a budget that provides essential services," added Romaine. "By prioritizing enhanced resources for law enforcement, ensuring funding mechanisms for critical infrastructure and clean water projects and improving services for families, we will continue to deliver results for our community practically and responsibly."

In a text message, Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville) said the legislature is committed to working with the county executive and "delivering on our promise of a safer and more affordable Suffolk County."

The legislature has set public hearings on the budget for 2 p.m. on Oct. 14 in Riverhead and 10 a.m. on Oct. 19 in Hauppauge. The nonpartisan Budget Review Office is expected to release its analysis of the budget in October.

On Tuesday, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman released a proposed $4.6 billion budget for the 2027 fiscal year.

By Joe Werkmeister

joe.werkmeister@newsday.com

Joe Werkmeister joined Newsday in 2022 and covers Suffolk County government and politics. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and previously worked as the editor of two North Fork community newspapers.

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