Suffolk considers raising fees at county parks

Suffolk lawmakers are considering a bill that would raise fees at county parks in an effort to help balance the budget.
The bill would raise entrance fees by 10 percent. Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory (D - Amityville) introduced the bill at a meeting of the Legislature Tuesday.
"This is about maintaining and continuing to be able to fund one of the largest municipal park systems in the country," says County Executive Steve Bellone.
Bellone says even with the increase, the fees are not out of line with what people pay in surrounding communities.
However, some legislators, such as Jay Schneiderman (I - Southampton), say making residents pay more isn't the right solution.
"We have a lot of park users who this could be a hardship for...I'm trying to keep it as accessible as possible," says Schneiderman.
The bill is expected to be voted on Dec. 1. If it passes, it will go into effect at the beginning of 2016.