In a recent move by the Suffolk County Executive’s office to create a new Department of Procurement to centralize the County’s supply ordering process, Legislator Steven Flotteron along with the Republican caucus fought the administration’s attempt to create an additional high salaried Chief of Department position especially while facing a mounting deficit. Legislator Flotteron was appointed to the Procurement Reform Working Group several months ago to help design the department. With the County spending approximately $1 Billion annually on goods and services, any savings would be significant. The position will be filled from within thus not adding to the County’s looming budget deficit. The fight to control the County’s close to $500 Million deficit spending is the main focus of Legislator Flotteron.
“This is only a small victory against increasing an already stressed budget. We can’t afford another hundred thousand dollar a year position when we would again end up borrowing that money to cover the expense,” Legislator Flotteron announced.
Suffolk County Executive Bellone has been under increased pressure from the Republican caucus to reel in his practice of bonding first and asking questions later. Legislator Flotteron was recently appointed to the Operating Budget working group responsible for making recommendations on how to reduce the often bloated budget. This new Procurement Department will be able to streamline purchases while having no increase to the budget. In addition, the office will be staffed by qualified individuals that were transferred from other departments with their same salary and civil service status.