The Starke County Council Monday night approved a three percent increase for county employees. The council members discussed what sort of impact that will have on the budget and found it would be about a $78,000 increase. They felt that was feasible, but they hope that the state won’t cut too much out of the budget.
The public hearing for the 2018 budget for Starke County will be held on Oct. 2. The budget adoption is scheduled for Oct. 18. Budgets must be approved by Nov. 1.
A request by Coroner Dannie Hoffer to increase his pay and the pay for his deputies was tabled as Hoffer was not present at the meeting to discuss the matter. However, council member Brad Hazelton reviewed paperwork submitted and stated that Hoffer is not the lowest paid coroner in the state as he previously claimed.
Hoffer is seeking a $9,000 pay increase and an increase in pay for his deputies per call. The deputy coroners are required to go to calls with the coroner with any assistance needed, or go in his place if he is not available.
The commissioners previously recommended the increase.
