BUTLER TWP— Butler County Community College expected a 2.5 percent increase in students. What it got is closer to 5 percent.

What that means is extra money.

The college board of trustees Wednesday approved a new budget for this fiscal year. It includes almost $334,000 in unexpected student tuition and fees, and it also has savings on some planned expenditures.

This extra money will be used for capital purchases and saved for next year.

The college has about 3,000 credit students and attributes its growth to the downturn in the economy. Often, college officials have said, unemployed workers turn to the community college for career training.

Some of the extra money will pay for the second phase of renovations to the cafe. The first phase last year included the serving line and kitchen equipment.

Now, the college will install new carpet and renovate the seating area. Jim Hrabosky, vice president for finance, said about $275,000 will finish the project. Additionally, the college will look to add outdoor tables and chairs near the cafe.

"The feeling is there's not enough quality hang out space on campus," Hrabosky said.

The college will also spend about $30,000 on a new police vehicle.

The budget moves the remaining money, about $263,000, to the college's rainy day fund.

But that money soon will be used, Hrabosky said. When planning the 2009-10 budget, Hrabosky said he is looking at a $1 million short fall.

President Nick Neupauer said he anticipates a tuition increase next year, but would not say how much.

The college has increased fees, but tuition has stayed at $73 per credit for Butler County students for four years. With fees, each credit is $93.

Even a tuition increase would leave the college with a $625,000 deficit, Neupauer said.

The board of trustees annually approves the next year's budget and sets tuition rates in June.