On November 5, 2024, Suffolk County residents approved a ballot proposition that would increase sales taxes. The increase in sales taxes will go towards improving the water quality around Suffolk County. Sale taxes will increase by 0.125%. About 72% of voters said “Yes” for clean water on ballot Proposition 2. Suffolk county residents have been trying to pass Proposition 2 for over a year. Proposition 2 plans to expand and upgrade the water infrastructure and establish a new way for wastewater improvement projects.
Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine, has spoken out about this and encouraged people to vote for Proposition 2 on election day. He stated, “We do not have to look far to see the need for improved wastewater infrastructure. Harmful algal blooms, brown tides, rust tides, mahogany tides and hypoxia fill our summer headlines and are the cause of many beach closures each season.“ He pushed to pass the proposition to stabilize the waters around Long Island so that not only will it be clean but for it to be safer to also swim during summertime.
Not everyone was in favor of the proposition. There were those who opposed it because of an increase in what were already high taxes. Suffolk Legislator Rob Trotta opposed the proposition saying, “This is one of the most taxed places, and they’re asking you for only an eighth of a cent more. The money is there. We have a billion dollar surplus.” Although there were other people who agreed with him, it will be going forward due to the larger amount of population that voted yes.
This plan will most likely go into effect in March of 2025. It is expected to generate about $48 million in the first year. Half of the funds will be used for sewer projects and the other remaining half can be used for replacing outdated polluting septic systems. This plan is expected to be funded until 2060.
