Many of these boards have professionals on the county payroll who guide them, but they still retain some decision-making power.

With Suffolk facing a budget deficit approaching $80 million, he said, the last thing taxpayers need is a thickly upholstered county payroll.

He said that some of those workers have left the county payroll on their own and that those who remain are now working much harder.

For example, his plan contemplates shrinking the county payroll by 1,400 workers - a reduction of about 15 percent over the next 12 months.

He derided as posturing Mr. Brodsky's claim of an inflated county payroll.

Ms. Postal noted that the proposed budget would add 40 people to the county payroll.

The county payroll, property taxes... yes, the clerk's office handles a lot of money and responsibility.

Officers eat up half the county payroll but comprise just 29 percent of the work force.

And the Suozzi administration has drawn criticism for allowing some of these volunteers to join the county payroll or receive a contract from the county.

"So here was another volunteer who slipped onto the county payroll," Mr. Schmitt said.