VALDOSTA —
Commissioners met briefly Monday morning to review the 2013 county budget proposal, which addresses waste management and cost of living increases for county employees.
Although the federal government is not required to submit a balanced budget each year, both state and local branches of government typically must create a balanced budget.
While more than $24 million was requested by county departments, the actual request of $17.5 million for 2013 will be almost identical compared to the last two annual county budgets.
One of the largest changes will include a 1.5 to two percent increase for all county employees. This is the first salary increase in four years, according to county staff.
Staff members also pointed out that because insurance and benefits premiums have not increased, the wage raise will have a greater impact.
“We’re trying to balance it out and trying to do a lot with a little,” said District 2 commissioner Richard Raines. “Part of being a wise steward is taking care of the people that are doing the day to day work and I think we have asked a lot of our employees for a long time.”
County Manager Joe Pritchard said no new employees, no tax increases, no position freezes, no furloughs or staff reductions are considered in the 2013 budget.
“We are currently right-sized for the economic environment we’re in,” said District 3 commissioner Crawford Powell.
Raines said that inflation has been around 2.5 percent for the last few years, but he hopes this can help county
employees meet financial obligations easier.
The cost of living increases will be made possible by the use of Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax revenue for capital equipment purchases, which includes tractors, construction equipment and vehicles for multiple departments.
If SPLOST is not approved by voters in November, the county will have to adjust the budget accordingly and wait another 12 months before the referendum could be reconsidered by voting citizens.
Commissioners also plan to outsource waste management services to a private contractor in the next year. Currently, county residents purchase a card for $100 that allows for annual usage at collection centers. This year, citizens will be able to purchase a six-month card for $50. No firm commitment has been made concerning when the waste management Request for Proposals will be issued, but it’s expected before the year’s end.
In other news, the ankle monitoring program in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Department will be renewed for a full year at a total cost of $168,000. Commissioners said the program reduced medical and jail housing costs for offenders.
Commissioners also said they planned on using SPLOST funds to replace the twelve-year-old 800 MHz radio infrastructure at the 911 Center. Both the Judicial and Administrative Complex and new jail are still on track to be completely paid off in six years.
This marks the last year Ashley Paulk will serve as Commission Chairman, but he feels confident that incoming leadership will have the resources needed to make informed decisions.
“I think our staff has worked real hard to keep a good sensible budget; of course it’s an austere budget but we’ll make it work,” he said.
Formal budget hearings are tentatively scheduled for June 19 and 26.
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