Suffolk Notebook: Bipartisan Budget-Reducing Bills Stay in Committee

Suffolk County Legislature committees met this week, and the General Legislature will meet on Tuesday in Riverhead. 

Budget-reducing proposals stay in committee

Three measures proposed nearly two months ago as part of a close to $180 million failed again to pass the Budget and Finance Committee on Tuesday.

A proposition to sell off the county's tax liens, introduced by Legis. John M. Kennedy, R-Nesconset, and Legis. Ed Romaine, R-Center Moriches, was tabled with a 3-2 vote, with Legis. DuWayne Gregory, D-Amityville, Lou D'Amaro, D-Huntington Station, and Jay Schneiderman, I-Montauk, voting in favor of tabling. Romaine and Legis. Tom Muratore, R-Ronkonkoma, voted against it.

According to the text of the legislation, the sale of the liens "would result in up-front revenue in excess of $20 million."

Two lag payroll proposals put forth by Legis. Jon Cooper, D-Lloyd Harbor, were also tabled. One was tabled unanimously. Another, for selected officials only, was tabled along identical lines as the tax lien vote. Cooper said his lag payrolls would save the county $28 million next year.

The Budget and Finance Committee also passed a bill which would give the John J. Foley Skilled Nursing Facility the funds it needs to operate the rest of the fiscal year. The bill is scheduled to be voted on by the Legislature on Tuesday.

Following fuel gel burn accident, Romaine proposes 'Michael's Law'

After an accident over Memorial Day weekend which severely burned a 14-year-old Riverhead boy and put him in Stony Brook University Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition, Romaine called on Friday for an all out ban on the product which burned him.

Titled 'Michael's Law' after burn victim Michael Hubbard, the legislation would ban all fuel gel sales in Suffolk County entirely. Currently, the manufacturer of the product which burned Hubbard and the federal regulatory agency Consumer Product Services Commission is conducting an interview of its own.

Meanwhile, similar products manufactured by other brands remain on the shelves.

“There is no question that  these products are dangerous and are a threat to the health and safety of county residents,” said Romaine. 

Levy announces wireless at county parks

County Executive Steve Levy announced earlier this week that for visitors, with another five more potentially on the way.

Southaven in Shirley, Timber Point in Great River, Indian Island in Riverhead, Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton, and Shinnecock East and Shinnecock Meschutt in Hampton Bays are all recipients of the service.

“We are proud to provide this great service to park patrons who want to stay connected to the outside world even as they enjoy the great resources available at Suffolk parks, beaches, campgrounds and other facilities," Levy said.

Suffolk County Police ready for auction

The Suffolk County Police Department is holding an auction on Wednesday at the property section building, next to headquarters in Yaphank.

Police said a bevy of items will be up for sale, including boats, power tools, electronics, gun scopes, appliances, clothing and more.

The auction starts at 8:30 a.m. and will take place rain or shine. All items are sold "as is" and must be paid in cash.