The Putnam County Budget Committee deciding on how to give a cost of living adjustment to employees in the new fiscal year during Monday’s meeting.
Budget Committee Chair Ben Rodgers said Putnam County currently offers employees a step raise, which is meant to keep up with cost of living. Rodgers said in years past, the county has offered cost of living adjustment (COLA) raises, either on a percentage basis or a flat rate across the board. Members of the committee argued for both approaches to be included in the new budget, but Rodgers called for a compromise.
“We’re going to do this as a team, and it starts here with the budget committee,” Rodgers said. “So come back with ideas next Monday night because we’ve got to come to a conclusion to be able to present to the full commission the last Monday of July. And to get that out and advertised, we have to have it to Mayor Porter’s office by the end of the first week of July.
Commissioner Jonathan Williams asked the commissioners to look into employee raises and a cost of living adjustment before the budget passes. Mayor Randy Porter was asked to bring the total increase in expenses with both COLA raise methods to the committee next Monday.
Commissioner Darren Wilson said he was in favor of a $1,500 flat rate COLA raise. After hearing Williams talk about the county being behind on cost of living in the past, Wilson said employee pay should be prioritized.
“Our employees are our greatest asset, and I want to take care of the employees of this county,” Wilson said.
Commissioner Dale Moss favored the percentage increase over a flat rate. Moss said another bonus does not sit right with him.
Commissioner Sam Sandlin also said a percentage raise was the way to go, since it is more fair.
“You’re making it a Christmas bonus, lets give everybody $100 instead of 50,” Sandlin said. “I see a percent thing, but back to Mr. Moss, as an employee, I don’t want $500. I want two percent. And next year, I’m going to get two percent and keep that percentage.”
The committee passed smaller portions of the budget, including funding for Solid Waste, Economic Development, and Parks and Recreation, but decided to wait and discuss the general fund budget at a future meeting.
Mayor Randy Porter said the general fund budget could see a revenue decrease between some $347,000 and some $6.6 million, depending on final numbers.
Commissioner Chris Cassetty said the budget committee should be careful to raise wages further than planned, especially with a wide budget gap. Cassetty said some cuts should be made to account for additional employee raises.
“I’m not speaking out against our employees, but guys, the gap is at $6.6 million if we look at the worst case scenario,” Cassetty said. “And if we talk about additional money, additional raises, without talking about anything else, we’ve got a $6.6 million dollar hole and all we’re doing is getting out shovels and digging and making it bigger.”
Funding for the Drug Fund, Debt Services, and Community Development were also approved by the committee Monday night.
The Budget Committee will meet again next Monday, June 16.
