Nassau Notebook: NIFA Rejects County Spending Plan, Chambers Support New Sports Complex

The following is a look back at some of the top stories in Nassau County over the past week:

NIFA Rejects Nassau's Multi-Year Spending Plan

One day after Nassau County officials announced a desire to partner with the Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA) in mapping the financial future of the struggling county, NIFA reported that Nassau's multi-year spending plan requires some $225 million in adjustments.

The decision to reject Nassau's 2012-2014 plan was rendered at NIFA's Thursday meeting. Officials say the county needs to show more concrete sources of revenue, rather than relying on items such as red-light cameras and union concessions.

NIFA also reported that it would not ask the state to restructure the county's debt, as had been done back in 2000. The county had made that request on Wednesday.

A new multi-year plan must be submitted to NIFA by July 28. A 2012 budget proposal is due Sept. 15.

Nassau Chambers Voice Support for New Sports Complex

On Tuesday, members of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce (NCCC) announced their support for a new sports and entertainment complex to replace Nassau Coliseum.

“We cannot allow the Islanders to leave Nassau County along with the thousands of jobs and secondary jobs they generate for our community," said E. Christopher Murray, president of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce. "The shuttering of the Coliseum doors would be devastating for our local businesses and those we employee.”

A vote on the proposal is scheduled for Aug. 1.