County Employee Raises Likely

Stone County’s budget for 2023 will likely include raises for all employees based on discussion of current and projected finances by officials at last week’s regular quorum court meeting.

JP Stan Townsend reported the county’s budget committee met Nov. 7 and considered aspects of the 2023 budget, including state-mandated raises of 3 percent for elected officials, as well as tenure raises for employees. Other raises will also be considered, he said. The committee plans to meet again to develop a final proposal to be presented at the December meeting. Meanwhile, he presented account summaries to show the status of the current budget.

“County general is showing a positive cash flow so it would appear there will be money for employee raises,” Townsend commented.

The three road graders, which were discussed at the October meeting, can be purchased for $260,000 each (compared to a price of $330,000 for new machines). County Judge Stacey Avey said action was needed prior to the December meeting because the lease on the machines expires in November. If the county opts not to purchase them, they must be prepared for returning to the dealership (assuring they meet the specifications in the lease agreement for tire wear, etc.)

A resolution for purchasing the three pieces of equipment, which are 2019 models, was read and approved. The county will pay $30,000 down and finance $750,000. The price includes a three-year warranty on each.

See the full story in the Nov. 16 issue.