Curran: NIFA Approves 2019 Budget
Board supports $100 Million in bonding to pay outstanding taxpayer refunds, provides funding for key infrastructure projects
MINEOLA, NY—Nassau County Executive Laura Curran today announced the Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA) last night approved her 2019 “No Property Tax Increase” Budget as well as $100 million in bonding to pay outstanding property tax refund debt left behind by the prior administration. Funding for critical county infrastructure was also approved.
“We have NIFA’s support because our reassessment plan is credible,” said Curran. “NIFA’s approval of my ‘no property tax increase’ budget and this bonding is part of my comprehensive plan to fix assessment. We are taking critical steps to restore the County’s fiscal health.”
The County Executive’s 2019 bare-bones budget reflects the county’s current financial position and will move the county forward without an increase in property taxes for 2019. The $100 million in NIFA-approved bonding was authorized by the legislature and will help offset a portion of the $300 million in property tax refund debt accumulated during the failed assessment policies of the Mangano administration.
The approved funding will also move Nassau County forward with a plan to build a long-sought after police academy on the campus of Nassau Community College. Supported by both the County Executive and members of the Legislature, the new facility will usher in a new era in police, correction officer and probation officer training and community engagement. It will serve as a model for shared services and generate revenue through working with other departments in the region.
“Our police department currently trains in an old elementary school,” said Curran. “And our corrections officers receive training in dilapidated trailers. This state-of-the-art academy will provide a modern and professional training environment for our law enforcement professionals. We thank the Board of NIFA for their support and look forward to breaking ground on this new facility.”
NIFA also approved $13.6 million for 30% design of the Bay Park outfall diversion project. When completed, the outfall will remove excess nitrogen from the Western Bays.
“There is no more important environmental project in Nassau County,” said Curran. “Entire ecosystems have been eradicated because of nitrogen runoff killing the Western Bays. This project will give Mother Nature a chance to reverse the damage.”