Vernon budget workshop outlines cuts and proposes raises for public‑works staff

Vernon council members spent the bulk of an Aug. 24 budget workshop outlining targeted cuts and debating how to absorb rising labor and operating costs. The clerk listed specific reductions: cutting on‑call pay of $12,775, removing a $1,500 project‑graduation line, dropping $7,500 for Flock cameras and $4,000 for mosquito spraying, and moving $22,000 in rent for the recreation director into the recreation budget rather than the general fund.

Those reductions came alongside proposed increases to wages and staffing. The meeting returned repeatedly to one proposal: a $2 hourly adjustment for a public‑works employee the council identified as “Rusty” and a separate $50,000 salary line for a full‑time public‑works director. The clerk summarized the arithmetic: “So we, cut out the on call, which equaled $12,775” and later contrasted a 3% across‑the‑board raise (which the clerk estimated would be about $998.40 annually at a 40‑hour workweek) with a flat $2 hourly change that the clerk said would cost roughly $4,160 a year for one worker.

Council members urged caution about one‑off increases without a multi‑year plan. One member argued for a structured approach: “I like Rusty. He works… So I think it would be beneficial if y'all come up with a plan, a 3 or 5 year plan and a 3% raise across the board,” while others warned the city’s revenue picture could change with county and state policy. The clerk and members noted that shifts in homestead exemptions and potential county cuts could force further adjustments.

The workshop left no formal adoption of the pay changes; members instructed staff to model scenarios, factor in FRS (Florida Retirement System) obligations where part‑time positions may be classified as permanent, and return with updated figures before final budget adoption.