The holidays came early for Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi and some of his top staffers.

Suozzi, along with other top elected officials, is getting a boost in pay next year. For most officials, this is their first raise since 1996.

Based on recommendations by a blue-ribbon panel, Suozzi is getting a boost to $174,000, which is a 60 percent increase. Comptroller Howard Weitzman's salary will rise 53 percent to $166,000. Assessor Harvey Levinson and County Clerk Maureen O'Connell will also get raises.

Meanwhile, some county lawmakers, both Republicans and Democrats, feel that if top elected officials are getting a pay hike, they should too.

The raises for elected officials will take effect Jan. 1.