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Circuit Court clerk asks for budget and pay increases; commission defers payroll proposal after emotional staff testimony
Summary
The circuit court clerk requested operating and payroll budget increases; commissioners approved a narrowed O&M increase but referred a larger payroll request to committee after staff described financial hardship and after administration signaled a countywide alternative plan.
The Circuit Court Clerk's office requested two related items: an operating and management (O&M) line increase and a separate payroll increase covering 28 full‑time positions. Commissioners amended the O&M request to remove a benefits line and approved an $85,400 O&M increase after budget staff reviewed line items and clarified their reasoning.
A larger, more contentious payroll request prompted several court staff to testify about low wages and financial strain. Staff members described hardship and urged the commission to approve pay adjustments now; Deputy Clerk Javonte Baker said the modest increase would reduce turnover and make county employment sustainable for lower‑paid workers. The administration representative told commissioners it intends to bring a countywide compensation proposal — a $2,500 base increase for employees earning $35,000 or less and a 6% increase for higher salaries, effective Jan. 1 — and asked the commission to consider both plans together. After heated debate and objections from several commissioners over possible "bait and switch" outcomes, the commission voted to refer the clerk's payroll proposal to the Nov. 13 committee meeting so both proposals can be compared.
