Suffolk County Deficit Improves, Official Says

Long Island, N.Y.’s Suffolk County has reduced its estimated deficit to $300 million from $530 million, according to county officials.

The County Legislature worked to shrink the budget gap, said its deputy presiding officer, Wayne Horsley.

“We have made a good start in our ongoing efforts to close our budget deficit, while also taking positive steps to grow our economy and provide much needed jobs,” Horsley said in a statement.

Budgetary actions he cited include streamlining government by approving the consolidation of the Planning and Economic Development departments, employee concessions, energy savings, and working with County Executive Steve Bellone to create mitigation measures equaling $122.5 million.

“There are difficult decisions that must be made and we are making those tough choices,” Horsley said.

Suffolk County, which declared a fiscal emergency in March this year, is rated A1 by Moody’s Investors Services and A-plus by both Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings.

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New York
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