The “prudence and diligence” of county elected officials and department leaders was key on the road to dealing with inflation, said Commissioner Wade Westfall.
The 5 percent raise was based on today’s economic and work environments, the commissioners said.
“We looked at inflation, the cost of living,” said Commissioner Ted Mercer. “The county has had a successful few years here. Our biggest asset is our team members. We felt they deserved that in this economic climate.”
Commission President Greg Simmons said he could not remember a time since his association with the county starting in the 1980s that the commission was able to give a raise of 5 percent. “We have the money, and I thought this would be a good way to say thank you to all of the employees,” he said.
The commission’s capital plan includes working toward an expansion of the Job and Family Services Building located north of Troy along County Road 25A. The estimated project cost is $6 million.
Expansion is needed to accommodate improving customer service and the working environment for JFS employees, said Michael Clarey, county chief administrative officer.
“It’s critical to retaining and attracting quality employees,” he said.
Money also is included to continue renovations to the 1880s county Courthouse in Troy.
Work on first floor renovations is being done now. Another $3.4 million in renovations are planned on the second and third floors including the grand courtroom. On the outside, $65,000 in work is planned to remove rust, prime and paint the four corner domes atop the building.
Among other projects are a wayfinding project ($190,000) at the Hobart Center for County Government, where several renovations are underway, $350,000 in second-floor renovations at that building; and renovations to the commissioners hearing room and adjoining office space ($500,000) in the county Safety Building.
Contact this contributing writer at nancykburr@aol.com
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