Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine unveiled his 2026 Recommended Operating Budget on September 19. He said this is a comprehensive financial plan that sustains essential services, strengthens public safety, protects Suffolk’s environment, and safeguards the county’s long-term financial health.
The $4.3 billion budget complies fully with New York State’s property tax cap and local charter requirements, while addressing the challenges of limited sales tax growth and broader economic uncertainty.
“This budget strikes the right balance between fiscal discipline and forward-thinking investments,” Romaine said. “It protects the services our residents depend on, strengthens our public safety and environmental protection efforts, and manages taxpayer dollars responsibly. Our mission is clear: to make Suffolk County safer, stronger, and more affordable.”
Highlights of the 2026 Recommended Operating Budget include:
Enhancing Public Safety
- Funding is included for new classes of Police Officers, Deputy Sheriffs, Probation Officers, and Correction Officers to ensure that Suffolk’s law enforcement agencies remain fully staffed and prepared to serve the public.
- The Suffolk County Police Department will continue expanding its efforts to improve roadway safety through its Street Takeover Task Force and enhanced drugged-driving prevention training. Its state-of-the-art Crime Analysis Center will serve as an intelligence hub linking local, state, and federal partners.
- The Sheriff’s Office will continue modernizing operations with advanced investigative technology, a new county-wide records management system, and the expansion of the Sheriff’s Addiction Treatment Program and Sheriff’s Transition and Reentry Team.
- The District Attorney’s Office will continue funding major initiatives, including the Fentanyl Task Force, the East End Drug Task Force, the Fatal Overdose Analysis Team, and Suffolk’s first-ever Cold Case Task Force. These programs target drug traffickers, gangs, and violent criminals, while bringing justice to families affected by unsolved crimes.
“Keeping Suffolk County safe has always been and will always remain our top priority,” said Romaine. “We are investing in the people, the tools, and the technology needed to protect our residents and reduce crime. Suffolk County now has the lowest violent crime rate of any county in New York with more than one million residents—and this budget will help us keep it that way.”
Protecting Water Quality
- A new dedicated 1/8 percent of one percent sales tax, approved by Suffolk voters in 2024, will fund long-term wastewater and sewer infrastructure improvements.
- These funds will be used to expand and upgrade sewer systems, modernize treatment plants, and support programs that help homeowners replace outdated septic systems with advanced technology.
- Beginning January 1, 2026, all county sewer districts will be consolidated into a single wastewater management district, streamlining operations and strengthening oversight.
“With this budget, we are protecting our drinking water and our bays, rivers, and beaches,” Romaine said. “Generations of Suffolk residents will benefit from these long-term investments in clean water, a healthy environment, and a sustainable future.”
Strengthening Services for Families and Children
- The Department of Social Services has made major strides in reducing Child Protective caseloads, with case workers now averaging 10 investigations each—well below state benchmarks.
- SNAP (food assistance) applications are now being processed on time, with Suffolk meetings exceeding the federal 95% compliance threshold every month in 2025.
- Services for Children with Special Needs—including preschool special education, early intervention, and related therapies—will continue to expand to meet growing demand.
Managing Rising Costs
- Pension costs will rise by $20.5 million in 2026 due to state-mandated contribution increases.
- Employee health care costs continue to be a challenge, particularly the rapid rise in costs for new prescription drugs. Suffolk is addressing these pressures with plan design changes, savings from a new administrator, and the use of fund balances to stabilize rates.
Fiscal Responsibility and Reserves
- Since 2022, Suffolk has used its reserve funds to offset $295 million in settlement and capital debt, saving taxpayers nearly $100 million in interest costs.
- The county continues to maintain strong reserves to cushion against economic downturns or unforeseen events, ensuring long-term fiscal stability.
Improving Efficiency and Service Delivery
- The Transportation Division will be transferred to the Department of Economic Development and Planning, consolidating oversight of Suffolk County Transit, Gabreski Airport, and other transportation initiatives. This will modernize services, improve efficiency, and strengthen regional transit planning.
- Seasonal EMT services at county parks and beaches will be transferred to the Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services, ensuring streamlined training, scheduling, and emergency response.
- The Parks Department will add new forestry positions to protect more than 60,000 acres of parkland, improve fire prevention, and strengthen climate resilience.
- County government will digitize critical records, reducing costs, improving efficiency, and freeing up valuable space while strengthening cybersecurity safeguards.
“This budget is about responsible government that delivers results,” Romaine said. “From strengthening our law enforcement agencies to protecting clean water and improving services for families, we are building a county that is safer, stronger, and more affordable for everyone who calls Suffolk home.”
The Recommended Operating Budget will now be submitted to the Suffolk County Legislature for review and adoption.