The Nassau Interim Finance Authority says Nassau lawmakers must find $31 million to balance the county budget.

The NIFA board of directors unanimously rejected the 2018 budget proposal put forth by the Nassau County Legislature. The plan stripped $60 million worth of fee hikes associated with red-light camera tickets and real estate transactions. NIFA says that move resulted in an unbalanced budget. 

NIFA says lawmakers must either come up with $31.5 million in recurring revenue or cut spending by that same amount. They have until Nov. 27 to come back with a plan.

If the Legislature holds its ground, NIFA could unilaterally enact spending cuts. Newsday columnist Joye Brown says that is unlikely, however.

“Somebody is going to have back down on this thing, and my guess is it probably will end up being NIFA,” says Brown.

Instead, Brown says NIFA could delay its budget deadline and negotiate with incoming County Executive Laura Curran. A Curran transition team spokesperson told News 12, “County Executive-elect Curran looks forward to engaging in conversation about the pressing issues facing Nassau County. She's excited to get to work with the Legislature and NIFA."