Rutherford County officials are taking proactive steps to address employee retention and recruitment challenges by proposing a six-month pay raise for all county employees. During the Budget & Finance Committee meeting on December 5, 2024, Commissioner Harris emphasized that the funding for this initiative will come from unexpected revenue that exceeded projections, ensuring that no existing funds will be tapped and no taxes will be raised.

\"This is going to help us with the problem that we are experiencing right now,\" Harris stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The proposed pay increase is designed to bridge the gap in employee compensation and is seen as a necessary measure to retain talent in the county workforce.

Michael, a key figure in the discussion, explained that the county has identified one-time funds that can be utilized for this temporary raise. He noted that while it is not advisable to use one-time money for ongoing expenses, the county's property tax revenue is expected to grow by 3 to 4% annually, which would allow for the continuation of raises after the initial six-month period.

\"This is essentially giving a raise six months in advance,\" Michael explained, reinforcing the idea that this measure is a stopgap to address immediate concerns rather than a permanent solution.

The committee's decision to move forward with this plan reflects a commitment to supporting county employees during a challenging economic climate. As discussions continue, officials are also looking ahead to a marketing study set to be released in March, which may inform future budget considerations for 2025 and 2026.

In conclusion, the proposed pay raise is a strategic response to current workforce challenges, aiming to enhance employee satisfaction and retention without impacting the county's financial stability. The committee's actions signal a proactive approach to workforce management in Rutherford County.