Several Suffolk County departments continue to face staffing shortfalls as low salaries for starting positions present a hurdle to recruitment and retention, according to department heads.

Those issues became a frequent focal point Tuesday as department heads addressed the Suffolk County Legislature during the first round of joint committee meetings to discuss the proposed $4.3 billion 2026 county budget.

County Executive Edward P. Romaine submitted the budget to the legislature on Sept. 19. The total represents about 5.2% increase from the current $4 billion spending plan.

The Department of Social Services is “actively recruiting all the time,” said Commissioner John Imhof, adding that “salaries are a concern we hear about.” The department has between 60 to 80 vacancies, ranging from

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