After all of the work was done to cut about $833,800 from the 2019 budget, the Starke County Council found that they are unable to give raises to county employees this year.
They were hoping to salvage at least a three percent increase, but there wasn’t enough to make it happen.
All council members were quick to say that the county has quality employees and want to reward them for a job well done, but the funds aren’t available to do that in 2019.
Councilman Howard Bailey Jr. hopes the council members can make it up to the employees in the coming years.
“Maybe we can make that up by a four-and-a-half percent or three percent with a stipend of some type. I would like to put that idea out there that we have not forgotten about them.”
A three percent raise was given in 2018.
Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler pointed out that his budget is separate funding from the state and it was approved. He said he cut nine percent, while many office holders did not. He commented that he hopes the council takes into consideration that fairness works both ways, but will go with what the council says.
Budget discussions begin in July.
Along with the budget discussion, the council members voted 5-1 to approve the salary ordinance as presented. The only change was longevity. Tom DeCola abstained from the vote.
