Bradley County finance panel backs 15% employee pay increase, proposes tax-rate changes as public comment splits

The Bradley County commission's finance committee on Thursday recommended a package of pay increases and revenue changes that would raise most county employee pay by 15% (with a smaller increase for higher-paid positions) and alter property-tax rates to cover the cost.

The committee’s report, presented by Commissioner Blake, said it adopted the revenue side of the mayor’s proposal and recommended ‘‘a 15% across-the-board increase’’ for employees under $75,000 and a 12% increase for those at $75,000, effective Oct. 1. The commission agreed to hold a special-called meeting June 26 for final votes on the budget and tax rate.

Why it matters: Commissioners and residents framed the debate as a trade-off between retaining public-safety and county staff and protecting taxpayers on fixed incomes. Supporters said the modest monthly cost would prevent turnover in critical services; opponents warned higher property taxes would strain retirees and low-income households.

Public testimony was sharply divided. ‘‘The proposed 15% pay increase brings many county employees closer to competitive pay in our region,’’ said Caitlyn Arceri, a lifelong resident who urged passage. Arceri also presented cost examples discussed during public comment, saying the package equates to roughly $6–$7 per month for a $350,000 home and $4–$5 per month for a $200,000 home under the proposal.

Patrol Deputy Will Carter, a sheriff’s office employee for 11 years, gave a first-hand account of financial strain: "When our last paycheck hit, I had $7 in my bank account." He said that pay compression and limited longevity increases have driven deputies away to neighboring jurisdictions that pay more for comparable work.

Opponents at the mic urged fiscal restraint and questioned whether the county had explored spending cuts and whether industry tax incentives produce promised local benefits. Deborah Gleason of District 4 accused the finance committee of irregularities in the meeting process and said Bradley County will no longer rank among the lowest-tax counties after the increase.

The commission did not vote on the budget in the work session. Chair reminded the public that the formal budget and tax-rate vote is scheduled for a special-called session on June 26; the June 11 meeting was a work session for discussion and public comment.

Other details noted during comments: speakers raised concerns about corporate tax abatements/PILOTs and whether companies that received incentives fulfilled job commitments; one speaker requested a written list of incentive agreements and local-hire tallies. Commissioners said the county planner and technical staff were not present for some items and one annexation matter was deferred to the July 13 work session for technical Q&A.

What’s next: The commission will consider final budget and tax-rate resolutions at the June 26 special-called meeting. Until then, the finance committee recommendations remain proposals; no appropriation or rate change has been formally adopted by the full commission.