County Mulls Raises Amidst New Budget

Fayette County Commissioners held an hour-long workshop to hash over next year’s budget.

According to the most recent projections from County Auditor City Havelka, the County will generate $23.283 million in revenue next year. But that figure could fluctuate because the Fayette County Appraisal District had not yet certified next year’s tax roll. Havelka projected $22.688 million in expenses. That number, she said, was based on the current budget plus new expenses deemed necessary for departments to function.

“That leaves us right now with about $594,000 to work with,” Havelka said.

Commissioners have not yet sifted through the list of requested expenses from each department. In addition, the Court still hasn’t decided how much of a raise employees will receive next year.

Havelka said a five percent raise would result in a budget deficit. She said a three percent raise would cost $450,000. But that leaves little room for the other new expenses requested by the departments.

Pct. 1 Commissioner Jason McBroom proposed a cost-of-living raise between one and two percent, which would cost between $150,000 and $300,000.

Commissioners decided to take no action on the raises until they get a chance to see the certified tax roll, which will provide a clearer picture of revenue for next year.

Every year the County budget includes funding for more than a dozen non-profit agencies the Children’s Advocacy Center, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Combined Community Action, which provide vital social services in Fayette County. Several of those agencies requested additional funding next year. However, Commissioners decided to set their funding amounts at the same level as this year due to the tight budget.