Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine has proposed a $4.3 billion budget for 2026, a 5.2% increase over this year’s $4 billion spending plan. Submitted to the county legislature on September 20, the proposal includes a 6.8% property tax hike, adding about $86 annually for the average homeowner.
Romaine said the spending increase is driven by rising employee benefit costs, as well as greater funding for public safety and social services. He called the plan a balance of fiscal discipline and key investments, noting it complies with the state’s property tax cap.
The budget also advances environmental initiatives, including a voter-approved sales tax for wastewater improvements and consolidation of all sewer districts by 2026.