Gilmer County’s 2020 budget passed unanimously. Commissioners passed it at a special called meeting on the morning of Dec. 23.
For the next year, Gilmer County’s budget totals $22,504,395, $787988 more than 2019. On the capital budget side, the 2020 budget is set at $9,517,353, an increase of $1,994,337 over 2019.
Both capital budets include $4 million in debt service payments.
“For the most part, it is very much comparable to this year’s budget,” said Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris. “We have built in some raises for the people at the lower end of the scale.”
At several meetings, Paris has pointed out the road department is having trouble hiring people at $9 an hour. He said he is primarily trying to build up pay scales in the road and solid waste departments.
At the beginning of the budget process, Paris said $1.1 million had to be cut from the initial requests.
“After I cut $800,000, anything I cut was going to affect people’s services,” he said.
A remaining $300,000 was cut from contingency, which leaves $200,000 being added to the fund in 2020.
On the capital side, vehicles for the tax assessor’s department and the sheriff’s office were added, along with a new ambulance.
A new plotter was added to the tax assessor’s budget while a lot of life-saving equipment will be purchased for the fire department.
In addition, $150,000 was added back to the capital contingency fund.
Paris said it was his goal to get the budget passed before Jan.1. With the resolution on Dec. 23, the 2020 budget is set.