Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi unveiled his 2009 budget Monday, which includes a proposed 3.9 percent hike on county taxes.

The increase would mean about $58 more each year for the average homeowner in Nassau County. Suozzi has not raised taxes for the last five years. The average homeowner's taxes have gone down about 5 percent since he was elected.

"If this is what helps us to keep our footing and keep financial balance, [we?re] not going to ask for more," says Presiding Officer Diane Yatauro (D-Glen Cove).

Other Democrats say they are reserving judgment on the hike until they examine the whole budget. Republican legislators say they don?t expect the hike to garner a single vote. Minority Leader Leg. Peter Schmitt challenges Suozzi to find another way to close the $100 million budget gap.

"If he can?t find $30 million to cut in a $3.1 billion budget, then he ought to hang it up and let somebody else manage the county,? Schmitt says.

However, Suozzi blames Republicans for the current financial hole.

Some residents told News 12 Long Island that any increase will be difficult. They say taxes are among the highest in the nation to begin with and they are dealing with other increases, including the prices of gas and food.Click for more on how a tax hike could impact Long Islanders? wallets