CLEVELAND – The White County Board of Commissioners Monday approved the FY-22 budget for county government operations. County Finance Director Jodi Ligon said, during a budget public hearing, the figures include an eleven percent increase in spending, but she also said there was no increase made last year. The total General Fund Budget calls for $27.8 million in spending.
Commission Chairman Travis Turner pointed out that the new budget does include a 2.5% across the board employee pay raise, plus those who have a positive performance review will be entitled to another 2.5% percent increase.
“The cost of living and merit increase is going to be huge for employee retention. There are several other sheriff’s offices and agencies around that have been losing employees at a fast rate and we are starting to slowly lose a few here and there,” said White County Sheriff Rick Kelley. “It’s going to be huge for employee retention for all the county.”
Chairman Turner emphasized during the budget hearing that the new budget will not result in any tax millage rate increase for property owners.
The county will use some reserve funds to help meet the budget needs.
