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Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone gave an update on COVID-19 in Suffolk, and issued a warning about the need for budget mitigation efforts in the wake of a 'fiscal crisis.'
Briefing Notes:
- Bellone says the county's primary concern with Tropical Storm Fay is the sustained rainfall. Asks residents in areas prone to flooding to stay vigilant.
- 62 additional COVID-19 positive tests, a total of 41,711. Infection rate remains at about 1%.
- 20,395 positive tests for antibodies
- Increase of hospitalizations by two to 54. ICU bed occupants at 10.
- One additional COVID-19 death -- total of 1,992.
- Free Suffolk antibody/diagnostic testing program launches in partnership with Northwell Health -- must pre-register. Locations in Bellport, Greenport and Huntington Station.
- Bellone readdresses 'fiscal emergency' that Suffolk is facing. Continues to mention that federal government's must assist so Suffolk can try and make this a "manageable COVID-19 fiscal crisis."
- Bellone sternly asks that the public get to vote on millions in budget mitigation efforts that he says could protect jobs, funds, etc. Says "professional advocates" are trying to prevent the public from voting on them. Says the advocates would rather have them do layoffs, add additional taxes. Says Dick Amper has consistently "lied to the public."
- Bellone says that if they don't receive the $50 million through the vote, which he calls a "no-brainer" and a "simple way to protect taxpayers," county taxes would have to be increased by 107%, or 700 employees would have to be laid off to make those funds. Says alternative would be eliminating funding for contract initiatives (mental health, anti-gang initiatives, etc.)
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