What's Happening in Huntington, NY…

There is a backlog of tax refunds in Suffolk County, but a solution appears to have been found.

Some 11,000 refunds, including 2,251 due to Huntington taxpayers, have been delayed for approximately one year. Not only did the residents have to wait for their money, but the delay meant the county had to pay nearly $1 million in interest.

The solution was to merge the offices of the Treasurer and Comptroller, a measure which the voters of Suffolk County approved in a referendum last November. The measure passed with over 60% of the voters favoring it. The merger has saved about $230,000 so far this year, and is expected to save another $20,000 by year's end.

Steve Bellone, the County Executive, noted this is the first time the county has eliminated one of its elective offices. However, the move has already saved the taxpayers money and the operation is more efficient.

Although the merger is not set to begin officially until January 1, the two offices are already working together, with the result that the county is improving its systems, with the taxpayers getting the benefits of the smoother operations.

Government officials might like to work with a flyer printing company on a mailer for residents, notifying them the refunds will be processed soon, and letting them know the merger is going forward.