A workshop was held for Greene County Commissioners yesterday evening regarding the proposed 2024 Budget, which includes an almost 30% property tax increase.
The Town Of Greeneville recently passed a property tax increase of 13% in June. The town and county both agree that this isn’t something they want to do. Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison insisted if there was another option it would have been discussed and states the increase is needed in order to keep employees and reward them for their loyalty and time. He welcomes anyone who has better suggestions or options to come forward.
The Greene County Budget and Finance committee met Wednesday and unanimously voted to move forward with the recommended budget. The proposal will go before county commissioners on July 17 during their 6 PM meeting. The recommended budget will include raises for all departments except for Education. Teachers won’t be included in this raise but Director of Finance Danny Lowery says after a year there could be a new proposal with a raise for teachers. Lowery said that could only happen if this proposed budget gets approved.
Committee members say a pay scale for employees will help with longevity and the plan is to be able to keep them. Departments are losing employees to other counties and high paying jobs left and right. Many feel this tax increase allows Greene County to remain competitive, provide good pay for current and new employees, and make adjustments due to inflation. County Mayor Morrison feels down the line if nothing is done to maintain staff in departments, soon the county won’t have services like jail staff, Volunteer Fire Departments, and EMS.
The pay scale provides a raise for employees who hit their 5, 10, and 15 year mark at the departments. Some employees didn’t necessarily receive a raise due to them being below or over that 5 year mark but HR Director Erin Elmore says those employees will still get a 3% raise based on cost of living. During the workshop it was pointed out that some employees recently got a raise and will receive another if the budget passes. Elmore says that is because the county wants to stick with the pay scale guidelines.
Prior to the County Commission meeting July 17th at the Court House, Morrison says there will be two public hearings. One will be from 5-5:30 PM and another from 5:30-6 PM. At that time folks can address the rates and budget with any questions.
