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  County Council Makes No Changes to Proposed Budget web posted March 22, 2013 EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Council held their work session on the General Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Thursday night, going through the budget page by page. For county citizens, county employees and the Sheriff's Office it was good news for all. In spite of the budget growing by $250,000 to a total of $8.8 million, there are no tax increases, a 2% raise for employees and two deputies added to the road patrols. During the work session no changes were made and with four of the five members present, Councilman Dorn skipped the work session as usual, it looks like passage is just a formality. To balance the budget the county will dip into reserve funds to the tune of $342,916 leaving a comfortable 3.8 months in reserves. County Administrator Lynn Strom stated that due to conservative projections, it is unlikely the county will need to dip into the reserves at the level stated. Chairman Campbell stated that the dip into reserve funds is at levels previously used and noted that rather than dipping into the funds each year, much is replaced due to higher than expected revenues. Even with similar amounts budgeted to be taken from reserves over the past five years, the county has maintained roughly a 4 month reserve for budgeted expenditures. Although there were increases to the budget, including the $90,000 to cover the 2% raises, Administrator Strom pointed out a number of savings in various areas of the budget that help offset the increases to minimize the impact on the budget overall. Vice-chair Genia Blackwell spoke up on the 2% raise for county employees saying that she was pleased that they were able to provide the raises since Pres. Obama raised everyone's taxes on January 1. "I think it's wonderful we're able to do that," she said. Because of the tax increase, roughly at 2% to all workers, the raise will bring employees back to the pay level they earned last year. Councilwoman Betty Butler also inquired about the raises due to Administrator Strom earlier mentioning that two employees were seeing a larger increase due to bringing them up to comparable salaries for the same positions in similar counties. Butler asked what the positions that had been reviewed were. Mrs. Strom said she would discuss the positions during a scheduled executive session. Chairman Dean Campbell reminded members of council and the public that the budget could still be amended during the required three readings over the next three months. Administrator Strom stated that there were a few minor changes that had to be made before the budget will be presented for readings. County Council will hold first reading of the budget on Tuesday, April 2, at 6 pm. Public comments on agenda items are offered at all council meetings. There will also be a Public Hearing held prior to final passage. Following a short executive session the meeting was adjourned. A draft copy of the budget can be found here. © Copyright 2012 - 2013 All material is property of
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