(11/14/06) HAUPPAUGE - A Suffolk County commission investigating how the county's school districts spend money reported its initial findings at a public forum Tuesday.

Suffolk homeowners say they are tired of constant school tax increases that seem to be out of control. Although the county does not have a direct say in how the 70 local districts fund themselves, it seeks to make recommendations to the group. As News 12 Long Island previously reported, a grand jury investigation, which looks in to the misspending of funds, is underway.

The Suffolk district attorney revealed some of the grand jury's findings and recommendations, which include leveraging buying power on things as simple as supplies to more complicated matters like health insurance. Suffolk lawmakers on the county commission noted the majority of school budgets are comprised of salaries.

No more than 20 people attended the forum. The grand jury will issue its full report in March 2007.