Cheatham County approves $1.50 raise for jail staff, adopts bundle of budget amendments

Cheatham County commissioners on July 18 approved a $1.50-per-hour raise for all jail positions, adopting a plan the county finance director said would cost $118,378 in the 2022–23 fiscal year.

Director of Accounts Sandrine Batts presented a package of budget amendments across County General, Highway/Public Works, General Capital Projects and other funds. The Legislative Body approved those adjustments by roll-call votes recorded in the meeting minutes. The body also approved transfers to reopen prior-year purchase orders and complete projects carried into fiscal 2022–23, as recommended by auditors.

Commissioners first considered and rejected a larger $2.00/hour raise (estimated annual cost $153,920). The subsequent $1.50 raise passed on a roll-call vote; the minutes note $173,392.27 remains available in a Jailer Salary Reserve to cover the increase. Resolutions and line-item transfers related to the county operating and capital budgets were recorded (see Resolutions 10 and 11 in the minutes).

Other budget actions included highway and bridge project carryovers, capital-vehicle appropriations in other capital funds, courthouse and jail maintenance carryover, sanitation fund carryovers and E-rate funding for school internet connectivity. Most of the package passed by unanimous roll-call votes with two absences recorded.

Why it matters: The pay increase directly affects corrections employees and is funded from reserves rather than new recurring revenue, reducing immediate pressure on the operating budget. The broader set of budget amendments preserves prior-year commitments and keeps several county projects moving forward.

What’s next: The pay increase and the budget transfers take effect for FY 2022–23 as recorded; the minutes show administrative follow-up by the Director of Accounts and relevant departments to implement the approved amendments.