Suffolk County Propositions Explained

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — As Suffolk County voters head to the polls Tuesday for Election Day, they won't just be electing representatives — they will also be deciding several countywide propositions.

The first proposition is to change the term for Suffolk County legislators from two years to four years.

Prop 2 is a charter law that would potentially transfer excess funds in the Sewer Assessment Stabilization Reserve Fund to the Suffolk County Taxpayer Trust Fund. In addition, if the proposition is approved, it would eliminate the requirement that requires interfund transfers be made from the general fund to the Sewer Assessment Stabilization Fund.

If approved, it would mean $44,409,109 will be transferred to the taxpayer fund in either the 2020 or 2021 fiscal year. That would include $29,409,109 that was required to be paid in a settlement to the Sewer Assessment Stabilization Reserve Fund. In 2019, Justice Joseph Farneti made the ruling in the Long Island Pine Barrens Society, Inc. v. County of Suffolk case.

The Sewer Assessment Stabilization Reserve Fund contains an excess balance to stabilize sewer district tax rates. Once transferred to the Suffolk County Taxpayers Trust Fund, the funds will be used to reduce or stabilize general property taxes and/or police/public safety property taxes.

Finally, the third proposition for residents in Riverhead would increase the term for the town supervisor from two years to four years.

Click here for more information on the propositions.