New county budget includes pay raise for deputies

STAFF REPORTS

CENTRE — During its Sept. 24 meeting the Cherokee County Commission approved a $19.7 million budget for Fiscal Year 2008 that includes pay raises for county employees and more money for courthouse security.

County Administrator Tim Burgess said commissioners have been concerned for years about the low starting pay the county offers employees compared to surrounding counties. He said the new budget addresses those concerns.

The Commission agreed to raise starting pay for employees from $7.78 per hour to $8.95 per hour, Burgess said. All current employees will see their pay raised to at least $9.62 per hour. Burgess said the county was able to pay for the raises with existing revenues.

"This is a balanced budget that we can manage," he said.

The Commission also agreed to requests from Sheriff Jeff Shaver to raise starting pay for deputies from $9.27 per hour to $10.66 per hour. Deputies already on the county payroll will see their hourly salaries rise to at least $11.46.