County Administrator Tim Burgess presented the 2016 Fiscal Year Budget for the Cherokee County Commission to adopt during their meeting on Monday of this week.

That 50 page document addressed the needs, and obligations of county operations; Burgess said it is a balanced budget which also addresses a new pay plan for county employees with the exception of elected officials. The pay for those officials will remain the same.

Commission Chairman Kirk Day had these comments about the Budget:

The plan places each employee in a step-based position calculated by merits, and their time of service. The step-based pay plan provides a clear timeline for pay increase by grade and step for each employee, and not only lets employees know when to expect an increase, but it allows the Commission to know exactly how much to budget each year.

According to Burgess, that plan removes the inconsistencies and unknowns of the previous pay strategies, adding “this is a step that’s been a long time coming.”

Sheriff Jeff Shaver, who was instrumental in getting the Commission to consider adopting a pay plan for employees. echoed that sentiment:

Also during that meeting the Commission recognized two Sheriff’s Deputies for outstanding service during the course of their job.

Both Jeremy Steppes and David Kirk received the Life Saver Award, with Sheriff Shaver and Commission Chairman Day making the presentations.

The deputies were credited with saving the life of a suspect who attempted to hang himself prior to being taken into custody. Steppes and Kirk quickly cut the rope, and they arranged for immediate medical treatment, performing CPR on the man until ambulances arrived.

The subject later made a full recovery.

The next regular meeting of the Cherokee County Commission is slated for Monday October 12th at 10:00am in the County Administration Building in Centre.