HAUPPAUGE – Suffolk County Executive Steven Levy Monday said the budget resolution adopted by the Suffolk County Community College Board of Trustees “reaffirms my belief that the elected representatives of this county should have the final word on the college bottom line.”

In June, Levy submitted a SCCC budget to the legislature which included a zero percent increase in the property tax rate, reduced the college’s proposed $120 tuition increase by one-third and maintained all of the college’s programs and services.

Levy’s proposed budget recognized a $2.3 million audit adjustment and applied $1 million of that into the college’s reserve fund, bringing the fund to its highest level in years. Levy also proposed using approximately $600,000 from that adjustment to lower the college’s proposed tuition hike from $120 to $80, and apply approximately $550,000 towards rising energy costs, equipment, furniture and repairs.

The college Board of Trustees last Wednesday did not accept the County Executive’s proposal to lower its tuition hike.

“The Board’s decision means students will pay a higher tuition while the college receives an additional $600,000 in reserves,” said Levy.

“I continue to strongly believe that elected officials, who are directly accountable to the taxpayers, should hold the final word over taxing and budgetary issues,” Levy said.