County budget plan promises lowest mill levy in a decade

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the upcoming budget adjustments, including employee salary and cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). The budget is projected to increase by over $2 million, primarily due to the sale of the public works facility. This increase is balanced by a corresponding revenue line item, indicating that the net effect on the budget will be neutral, pending the actual sale proceeds.

The current mill levy for 2024 is set at 36.625, with expectations that it will decrease to approximately 39.984, marking the lowest rate since 2014. This reduction reflects the county's ongoing efforts to manage tax rates despite rising property valuations, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on local taxpayers.

In terms of employee compensation, step raises are scheduled to take effect in the second pay period of January for eligible employees. The timing of COLA adjustments remains flexible, with discussions suggesting a potential implementation in July to provide two opportunities for salary increases each year. This approach aims to enhance recruitment and retention efforts by offering more frequent pay adjustments.

The commission is considering feedback from department heads and employees regarding the timing and structure of these adjustments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining competitive compensation to attract new talent while rewarding existing staff.