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Proposed Nassau County Budget Cuts Becoming Clearer

MINEOLA, NY (WCBS 880) - These are dire fiscal times for Nassau County and what might be done to fill the budget gap is now coming into view.

WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs On The Story

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More than a thousand workers would face layoffs, but that's only part of it.

Museums that don't generate revenue would close.

There would also be fewer road repair crews and social service workers.

Those are among the most noticeable cuts to Nassau County's proposed 2012 budget, according to County Executive Ed Mangano.

He says there will also be a streamlined tax assessment system.

"These steps are transforming the broken property tax assessment system that left Nassau County in a fiscal mess. Make no mistake, the assessment system is a significant part of Nassau County's fiscal crisis," he said. "Within the assessment system, we've trimmed down workers. We have about 70 less workers in there. There are people that do not have work because we are streamlining."

Newsday reports most county offices will see a 5 to 15 percent reduction.

Mangano says that, in the end, the taxpayers will be the winners.

The legislature begins hearings on the budget Thursday. The county faces a $310 million budget gap.

What do you think should be cut from the Nassau County budget? Sound off below!

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