Suffolk Executive Steve Bellone's administration is refusing to restore money to taxpayers that was won in an environmental case, the Long Island Pine Barrens Society says.

For years, Suffolk residents have been paying a ¼ percent sales tax that is supposed to go into the county's drinking water protection plan. Environmentalists say former County Executive Steve Levy diverted tens of millions of dollars from the water program to use for other purposes.

The Long Island Pine Barrens Society sued to restore the money and won on appeal.

The county claims the whole issue was settled two years ago in a separate case involving water protection money that was diverted by Bellone. In that case, Bellone agreed to restore the funds gradually beginning in 2018.

The county tells News 12, "In 2014, Suffolk County agreed to a mechanism to restore funds that was agreed upon by both parties."

Environmentalists disagree, saying that the county is still obligated to restore the water protection money taken by Levy.

Environmentalist Dick Amper says he will be headed back to court with the county next week.