(11/08/06) ISLIP - A disagreement between two sides on the necessity of new Suffolk County police officers will likely play out in the 2007 budget battle.

County Executive Steve Levy (D-Suffolk) believes 50 more officers are needed, but the Suffolk Legislature's proposed budget calls for adding 75 people to the force. The extra 25 police officers would cost the county approximately $2 million, including all benefits and salaries. Suffolk PBA President Jeff Frayler accuses Commissioner Richard Dormer of lying to legislators about the amount of officers patrolling the streets, adding another layer of controversy to the debate.

Levy says he would veto that portion of the budget if passed as is, while Frayler vows to convince the executive otherwise.