Court debates budget

Brian Smith

news@jacksboronewspapers.com

Commissioners Court members continue to discuss the 22-23 budget.

During a Wednesday budget hearing, court members discussed whether they wanted to give an across the board pay increase to all 73 county employees, give a roughly $2,500 one-time stipend out of American Rescue Act funds, a combination of a stipend and giving Sheriff’s Department employees a $10,000 raise, which reportedly drew the ire of many residents.

The most popular proposal was from Precinct 3 Commissioner Henry Birdwell who proposed splitting the JCSO raise into two years, accommodating next year’s raise into the tax rate. Birdwell said he has heard several comments against the big raise, which would be used to keep employees and move salaries more in line with other law enforcement agencies in the area.

“The perception out there is they’re getting a big pay raise and we’re sinking out here,” Birdwell said.

Birdwell’s proposal included a $5,000 raise to the Sheriff’s Department plus the stipend with county employees getting the stipend plus the already included three percent COLA increase.

Jack County Judge Keith Umphress said the reason behind the hefty increase in the budget was simply to get deputies and other employees just above the average among similar size departments.

“We have law enforcement that reside here going to other counties and losing 2-3 hours of their day,” Umphress offered. “If we could keep them close to home and save 2-3 hours of their day in travel, it would only help.”

The court was also hit Wednesday with a court order from District Judge Brock Smith, mandating the court raise salaries of County Auditor Lisa Perry and her two assistant auditors. The three earned a combined $131,000 in 2022 and had asked in their budget to be increased to $134,929. That drew the ire of Birdwell.

“I don’t like the district judge telling us five days before a vote and court ordering a salary increase,” Birdwell said.

Perry said she makes slightly less than her counterpart in Young County. Perry’s 2022 salary was $50,081 with the Young county auditor making $54,893.

Under Smith’s order, the three will make $144,100. Perry said the office is doing the work of two offices since recent health issues of County Treasurer Brad Campsey. The office handles all the HR and payroll for county employees and assists Campsey with his duties.

“We have no time for auditing because we’re doing everything else,” Perry noted.

Campsey told the court to be mindful that it is “not our money, but the taxpayer’s money.” Many residents who were not affected by the tornado have been hit by inflation and other things.

“I’m not against any raises but having half the county employees get a raise and not the other half is splitting people up again and that’s a big concern.” Campsey explained.

The court met again Friday (see story on page 1).