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Thursday, July 11, 2024 ~ Volume 69 ~ Issue Number 32 ~ $1.00
Romaine Signs Water Quality Restoration Act Referendum Goes to Voters By Matt Meduri
Executive Romaine (seated, center) signs the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act (Credit - Matt Meduri)
The saga of Suffolk County’s quest for wastewater solutions has reached its penultimate stop - at least for now - as County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) signed the bill to put the proposition in front of voters in November. The Monday afternoon bill signing was over a decade in the making, as legislators, stakeholders, and interested parties collaborated to design a formula, plan, and scientific outlook for the future of the county’s water quality. Negotiations came to a head last summer as the Suffolk County Legislature expressed doubt over ratios of taxpayer-funded wastewater solutions, with roughly 75% of funds generated from an eighth-cent sales tax increase going to Innovative Alternative Wastewater (I/A) Systems, 10% going to administrative costs, and 15% possibly going to sewers, although stipulations on the final 15% were not solid in the bill’s language. Continued on page 10
Brookhaven Receives Strong AAA Bond Rating from Moody’s and S&P Global By Cait Crudden The Town of Brookhaven has received a ringing endorsement of its financial health and management practices as Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings have both reaffirmed the town’s AAA bond rating with a stable outlook for the sixth straight year. This prestigious rating underscores Brookhaven’s strong fiscal management, prudent budgeting, and robust economic fundamentals, positioning it favorably in the municipal bond market. Moody’s and S&P Global, two of the most respected credit rating agencies worldwide, cited several key factors contributing to their decision. These include Brookhaven’s robust local economy, effective financial management policies, and proactive conservative approach to maintaining balanced budgets. The agencies also highlighted the town’s moderate debt levels relative to its economic size and strong liquidity position as strengths supporting the AAA rating. Continued on page 3
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Mobilization Ceremony Port Jefferson Station Flagpole Rededicated for Shoreham Unit Page 5
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Quad Chamber Meeting a Success Page 22