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800 Nassau County Workers Could Lose Their Jobs In January

MINEOLA, NY (WCBS 880) -- Another 800 county employees could be laid off in Nassau County at the beginning of 2012 if spending cuts are not made in every department and unions do not make concessions.

WCBS 880's Sophia Hall On The Story

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"It's important that everyone understands the severity of the problem and the need to fix it," said county executive Ed Mangano on Wednesday. "I have faith that they will come together and we can move our county forward without the severity of a layoff of that magnitude."

Earlier this year, about 130 county workers were laid off.

Mangano said he is trying to close a $310 million budget gap.

"Each dept is asked to deliver their budget for their department within the guidelines of what the people here in Nassau County can afford. There's also a tax cap in place. So, there's a limit on the amount of money you could even raise. We're not going to raise taxes. The people can't afford it," said Mangano.

WCBS 880 reporter Sophia Hall asked Mangano if the county could even function without those 800 employees.

"That's why we're working through the plan right now," he answered.

How do you think Nassau County should close its budget gap? Sound off in the comments section.

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