Freestone County Commissioner Court gave monetary increases for their First Responders and employees on the 2021 proposed budget.
Through numerous meetings the Commissioner’s Court has taken advice from citizens and elected officials in what individuals believe would be the most beneficial ways for the county to apply the budget.
Fairfield EMS and Teague EMS requested and were approved for an increase to their overall budget in the amount of $50,000 to compensate for an upward swing in cost related to running an ambulatory service.
During the budget discussions Sheriff Jeremy Shipley very pointedly asked the Commissioner’s Court, “Is there anybody that questions whether or not all my Deputies deserve $38,000?”
He further explained that the retention rate of employees has been much better, and that makes a difference with not needing to train new employees.
The Commissioner Court did approve a total raise of approximately $33,000 to be used towards twelve deputies salaries.
Linda Jarvis – Freestone County Clerk asked for a 5% pay increase across the board while announcing, “I would like to see all employees get something.”
A concern for longevity on a pay increase was expressed by Pct. 1 Commissioner Andy Bonner as he agreed to a 2% raise for county employees, not counting elected officials and Sheriff’s Deputies.
The 2% raise was approved as opposed to the previously requested 5%.
These salary increases were made without the need for significant changes to the budget over last year’s amount.
Commissioners voted to approve and adopt the No New Revenue tax rate of $.393751 during the Wednesday, August 19, 2020 meeting.
