Tuesday, the Brown County Commissioners approved a new budget and a new ad valorum tax rate for the County fiscal year 2024/2025, which runs from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025.  After the meeting County Judge Shane Britton issued the following comment:

“This morning the Brown County Commissioner’s Court approved the 2024-25 operating budget for Brown County.  The total expenditures included within the budget are $32,085,096.  The tax rate approved is .472 which represents a 4.37% increase from last year.

“This budget cycle was as tough as we expected it to be.  The County has been battling the inflation that is hurting everyone.  The costs of goods and services continue to rise and we remain mindful of the negative impact that is having on all members of our community.  We worked diligently to reduce spending in areas that were discretionary while maintaining the level of services the public expects.  Unfortunately, very little of what we spend money on is discretionary.  Unfunded mandates from the State are killing local governments.

“Included within the budget are significant raises for employees of the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.  The Court approved the creation and implementation of a salary structure for commissioned peace officers that includes a starting salary of $56,000 a year, up from the current $44,000, for newly licensed officers.  Additionally, pay increases are provided for years of experience and rank.  The increases in pay average approximately 12% per deputy across the board.  The Commissioner’s Court also approved increasing the starting pay for jailers and other jail employees from $38,000 to $43,000.

“I am extremely proud and grateful that the Commissioners approved my recommendations to implement this new salary structure.  There is not a group of employees more deserving of our respect and appreciation than those serving in public safety.  These employees put their lives on the line every day for the citizens of Brown County.  After comparing their salaries to those from other counties we realized that our salaries were woefully inadequate.  The Commissioners showed great foresight in realizing this was an issue that was affecting recruitment and retention and needed to be addressed.  I thank the Commissioners for taking this bold step.  I also commend Sheriff Hill and Chief Deputy Stroope for their outstanding leadership in leading this department.”