White County employees in line for pay increase

CLEVELAND, Ga. - The White County Board of Commissioners has agreed to include a 3 percent pay raise for county employees in next year's proposed budget. That decision came Monday during a public hearing on the budget at the White County Courthouse.

County Manager Mike Melton, in presenting the information for the $13.2 million spending plan, said one of the biggest things his office had to deal with was property assessments down by $875,000. The county is also facing a 17 percent increase in health insurance costs, according to Melton.

Following formal presentations, commissioners discussed at length a proposed 3.5 percent pay increase. Commission chairman Travis Turner said officials realize it has been several years since employees have received a pay increase.

He said the county needs to reward its employees, but practice due diligence because of the economic conditions. Turner cautioned about too much of an increase, saying once it's on the books they can't take it back. After additional discussion, officials settled on 3 percent.

The commission is scheduled to meet Monday to officially ratify the budget.