Read Romaine's Lips: No New Taxes

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine pledged Thursday that county residents will see no increase in the county’s general fund property tax levy next year, making affordability a centerpiece of his State of the County address.

“Affordability is the number one issue on the minds of every Suffolk resident,” Romaine said before announcing his 2027 tax pledge.

“I will not be raising general fund taxes in the 2027 budget,” Romaine said. “There will be a zero increase.”

Romaine said his proposed operating budget is expected to be released later this month and will then go before the Suffolk County Legislature for review.

The county executive pointed to Suffolk’s improving financial position as evidence that the county can hold the line on taxes while continuing to invest in infrastructure, public safety, clean water and other services.

Romaine said Suffolk has received five bond-rating increases since he took office and told lawmakers the county currently has about $800 million in restricted and unrestricted reserves.

He urged legislators to resist using those reserves for new spending unless necessary.

“Hold on to those reserves,” Romaine said. “There may come a day when you will need it.”

The county’s financial position has improved significantly in recent years. Suffolk’s 2026 budget totaled approximately $4.3 billion and remained within New York’s property-tax cap. The county also cited conservative revenue projections and maintaining reserves as components of its fiscal strategy.

Romaine also said he would consider working with county lawmakers on suspending Suffolk’s portion of the gasoline tax, provided legislators identify an offset for the lost revenue as required by the county charter.

Beyond taxes, Romaine outlined planned investments in a new police headquarters, a medical examiner’s office, crime and environmental laboratories, sewer infrastructure, parks and preservation of farmland and working waterfronts.

Suffolk County Republican Chairman Jesse Garcia praised Romaine’s tax announcement following the address.

“Republicans believe hardworking families should be able to keep more of what they earn,” Garcia said. “County Executive Romaine and his GOP caucus partners believe taxpayers deserve a government that delivers essential services and invests in our communities without automatically turning to higher taxes.”