Gibson County Commissioners Discuss Pay Increase for County Employees
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According to Gibson County Mayor Tom Witherspoon, all of the county’s nearly 350 employees were promised raises four years ago. However, one hurdle stood in the way. “The economy,” said County Commissioner Robert Shelton, who also serves as Chairman on the Budget Committee. Shelton said the recession halted plans for a salary increase. But thanks to the hard work of department heads over the years, that money is now available. According to Shelton, next year’s fiscal budget includes a 3 percent salary adjustment that will be given to the department heads. “Then [the department heads] are responsible for how that money is distributed to their employees,” said Shelton. “I understand the county employees would like a raise. I understand it, I would love getting a raise myself but my income has been cut,” said Tim Curry, a concerned citizen. “With the people of the county suffering I do no think it is the right time to be giving raises.” The salary adjustment added just under $200,000 to the budget. To most county officials it is money well spent. “Being able to do these things without a tax increase is big medicine,” said Witherspoon. The county commission will vote on the budget, which includes the salary adjustment, on July 11. Besides the increase in salary, officials said investing in industrial recruitment also added to next year’s budget.
