From the Brazil Times:
Financially the county is doing well, officials said.
"Our fiscal house is pretty much in order," said Clay County Council President Larry Moss.
At a special meeting Monday, the Clay County Council passed the second reading of the 2014 Clay County Budget.
Overall, Moss said he likes the direction the county is heading financially. Clay County Auditor Mary Jo Alumbaugh said the budget hearings went well this year and the county has a "little cushion" in its operating balance, which allows for a little optimism in the future.
The two largest funds for the county are the general and highway funds. For 2014, the general fund stands at just over $4.5 million. The Highway Fund has seen some growth due to money generated by the Wheel Tax and due to the state re-calculating its tax distribution formulas for roads.
Moss said the additional money in the Highway Fund should help with county roads and hopefully the commissioners can really turn around the road situation in the county.
"The county has been years behind the 8-ball (when it comes to roads), it will take a little time but we are making some progress," Moss said.
In addition, as part of the 2014 budget, the council approved a 3 percent pay increase across the board for county employees. Clay County Auditor Mary Jo Alumbaugh said this is the second consecutive year the council approved a 3 percent pay raise. Moss said the county is playing "a little bit of catch-up" as there was an extended period of time county employees received no additional money.
"(The 3 percent increase) is not like huge raises," Moss said. "It is really a cost of living adjustment."
He added the county keeps track of other counties similar in size to Clay County and tries to keep up with what others are paying their employees.
Also, with health costs expected to continue to rise the county employees would have to start pitching in for health insurance. Moss said health insurance is a major cost to the county budget. He added the county provided health insurance.
At the conclusion of budget hearings in September, the council suggested having county employees begin pitching in on health insurance starting July 2014. The suggested amount was $25 per month.
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http://www.thebraziltimes.com/story/2016924.html
