Following up on an initiative proposed by the Democratic majority at a press conference this past October, members of the Nassau County Legislators voted unanimously on Dec. 11, to appropriate $250,000 from sales tax revenue in the 2001 budget to be shared among the county's 64 villages.

This marks the first time the county, which already participates in revenue sharing with its towns and cities, has earmarked funds generated from sales tax for its villages.

While Legislator Craig Johnson (D-Port Washington) said he realizes the money does not represent a windfall for each of the 64 villages, he said it makes good on a promise to village officials that they would receive an equitable share of the funds. "The villages have long deserved to enjoy an equitable share of sales tax revenues, just like the towns and cities within the county have done all along. This vote presents an opportunity to forge a new relationship between Nassau County and its villages."

Democratic lawmakers included the $250,000 allocation as a line in their 2001 budget. Each village will receive a percentage of the money based on population beginning next year.