Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine released his 2026 Recommended Operating Budget, a $4.3 billion plan that balances fiscal responsibility with key investments in public safety, clean water, and family services. The proposal meets New York State’s property tax cap while addressing slowing sales tax growth, inflation pressures, and broader economic challenges facing the county.
“This budget strikes the right balance between fiscal discipline and forward-thinking investments,” Romaine said. “It protects the services our residents depend on, strengthens public safety, and manages dollars responsibly.”
Public safety is a central focus. The budget funds new classes of police officers, deputy sheriffs, probation officers, and correction officers. The Suffolk Police Department will continue expanding its Street Takeover Task Force, drugged-driving prevention efforts, and Crime Analysis Center. The Sheriff’s Office will modernize operations with new technology, and the District Attorney’s Office will sustain initiatives like the Fentanyl Task Force and Suffolk’s first Cold Case Task Force. Suffolk currently has the lowest violent crime rate of any New York county with over one million residents.
Environmental protection is another priority. A voter-approved sales tax increase will fund wastewater and sewer upgrades, consolidating all sewer districts into a single management district in 2026 to safeguard drinking water, local waterways, and the surrounding ecosystems for future generations.
Family services will expand, including preschool special education and early intervention programs. Child Protective caseloads have dropped to record lows, and food assistance applications now meet federal timeliness benchmarks.
Rising pension costs of $20.5 million and higher employee health care expenses will be offset through plan changes, administrative savings, and reserves. Since 2022, Suffolk has used reserves to cut $295 million in debt, saving nearly $100 million in interest.
Other changes include consolidating transportation oversight, transferring seasonal EMT services to Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, and adding forestry positions to the Parks Department.
“This budget is about responsible government that delivers results for every resident of Suffolk County,” Romaine said.