The Nassau Interim Finance Authority voted Tuesday to start overseeing Nassau University Medical Center's finances effective immediately.

NIFA Chairman Mark Barsky says the decision came after a recent audit of the hospital, done by an outside accountant, found that NUMC had an uncertain future.

"Given the status of certain funding programs they rely on from the federal government, that are slated to expire, that the hospital could end up not being able to continue in its current form," said Barksy.

When asked how soon the hospital could potentially close, Barksy said, "They wouldn't give any guarantees beyond a year."

The county's only public hospital has battled high-debt levels, budget deficits and constant changes in leadership over the last 20 years.

NIFA also signed off on an eight-and-a-half-year contract between Nassau and the Nassau County Detectives Association. Union officials hope the new contract will put an end to a massive detective shortage in the county.

Nassau County Detectives Association President John Wighaus says the new contract includes a step program that allows detectives to reach top pay within 48 months, or four years, instead of the 75 months under the old contract.

Under the new contract, Nassau Detectives would start paying 2% into their health care coverage starting next year. They will also be required to work an additional five days a year.