Minority Republicans, who opted not to vote for an emergency item that would have moved an increase in vehicle registration fees through the legislature, continue to cost Nassau County taxpayers $26,000 a day and threaten to blow a $10 million hole in the 2004 budget. Their inaction so far has cost the county more than $359,000.

"The Republicans have reneged on a budget deal that was struck this past summer," said Nassau County Legislator Lisanne Altmann (D-Great Neck). "Their word is obviously not worthy of our trust."

At a legislative meeting held on Jan. 12, the Democratic Majority attempted to pass an emergency measure that would have allowed a vote on proposed increases in vehicle registration fees. The new fees are part of a bi-partisan, state-approved $18 million Sewer and Storm Water Authority package that was adopted in the early fall in a compromise with County Executive Thomas Suozzi and his administration. The fee increase is expected to generate $9.4 million in revenue for the county.

However, Minority Leader Peter Schmitt and his delegation refused to support the measure at the last meeting, or the emergency vote at the Jan. 12, meeting that would have allowed a vote by the full legislature. Democrats, who support the measure, hold a narrow 10-9 margin and 13 votes were needed to move the measure.

Each day the vote is delayed, the county is losing $26,000 in anticipated revenue.

Wall Street credit rating agencies are basing their upgrades and positive outlooks on the county's 2004 budget, which includes the $10 million in revenue from the vehicle registration fee increase.

"The partisan politics on behalf of the Republican minority is jeopardizing Nassau County's fiscal future," said Altmann.

The original Sewer and Storm Water proposal by the administration included $25 million in revenue and savings and no increase in vehicle registration fees. However, local and state Republicans refused to support the original package, and a compromise was reached that called for the fee increase. That compromise deal was agreed to by state and local officials, including Legislator Schmitt and state Senator Dean Skelos.

While Schmitt and his delegation now refuse to pass the enabling legislation and fee increase, they have already voted to approve the home rule message and the 2004 budget, which includes the fee increase.

"This is a throw back to the Gulotta administration where political expediency was at the expense of the taxpayers and residents," said Altmann.

Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) said she found the actions of Legislator Peter Schmitt and his minority caucus to be "the height of irresponsibility."