City Council Proposes Budget to Public

The Glen Cove City Council officially proposed the budget for the 2011 fiscal year at Tuesday night's meeting. 

The 53-page proposal featured appropriations for the city's general fund, police fund, recreation fund, water fund, debt service fund, and insurance fund totaling an estimated $68,605,060.

The council reported a 2.88 percent increase over last year's tax levy.

The average home in Glen Cove is priced at $450,000 to $500,000, and the 2.88 percent increase translates to $54 more per home or one dollar a week, according to Mayor Ralph Suozzi.

While real property taxes accounted for 63 percent of this year's budget—no change from 2010—police fees increased from 1 percent to 2 percent from last year, prompting residents to question the pay raise of the Glen Cove Police Department.

"This particular group of civil servants workers seem to be doing considerably better than others," said Glen Cove Charlie Bozzello. "The raises seem to be out of step for economic times."

Suozzi defended the pay increase, saying that the department is a necessary force in the community and the salary is well-deserved. 

"Officers require a four-year degree; they are trained in first aid, CPR, and deal with very difficult circumstances," said Suozzi. "They keep the crime rate very low." 

The recent contract of the Glen Cove Police Department is actually lower than other departments around, according to Suozzi.

An official budget will be adopted at the Oct. 26 City Council meeting at City Hall.