Commissioners propose raises for county employees

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

After four years and no pay increases, full-time Putnam County employees could be in for raises in 2013.

With county budget hearings only a week away, the Putnam County Commissioners on Tuesday proposed a $1,200-per-year increase for all full-time county employees.

Final approval of the measure will not come until the Putnam County Council has finalized the 2013 budget, but the move by the commissioners will make salaries a big topic of discussion for the councilmen during their hearings.

The commissioners discussed both a raise by percentage or the flat rate increase that was approved.

"I'd like to see a minimum of 5 percent or maybe just a flat rate," Commissioner Kristina Alexander said. "That way the people already making more won't be getting even bigger raises."

The other two commissioners were in agreement with the flat rate.

Nancy Fogle proposed the $1,200 figure, reasoning it makes an additional $100 per month.

Gene Beck seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Also part of the discussion was the county's budget situation. Auditor Stephanie Campbell said the budget proposal is more than $500,000 over the state-approved number.

Campbell added, however, there are a number of places across the board that could be cut, making the pay increases a possibility.

By comparison, the council had to cut $1.7 million to make the 2012 budget.

"I'd just like to see them get a raise. It's been four years," Alexander said.

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