The Washington Times-Herald

Breaking News

Homepage

Discussion

October 4, 2012

County council takes 2nd look at raises

Also, abatement discussed

By Courtney Hughett Washington Times Herald

SHOALS — The Martin County Council started their budget adoption discussion Monday night with issues that have come up over employee raises.

According to a few council members, some employees feel that a lump sum payment of the $500 across-the-board raise would be better than it being broken down per pay period.

Council member Randy Wininger said he thought many employees were considering the $500 a bonus, but it was not, it was a raise, which he stated is paid as an increase per pay period, not all at one time. Council member Rich Summers said  the person who spoke to him said that they would prefer to have a lump sum payment to go out and purchase something instead of an increase per payroll check of just a few dollars.

The raise would be around $19.24 per two-week pay period before taxes.

Council member Warren Albright said that if it is treated like a bonus, next year the county may not be able to pay it again. He said if it was put through as a raise per paycheck, most likely the county will not take it away.

Highway superintendent Jim Williams said he figured up the raise using his employees’ salaries and it averages out to a 1.7-percent increase or about 23 cents more per hour.

Council member Lonnie Hawkins said part of what was discussed along with the $500 raises was that during insurance time, closer to the first of the year, if money was left over, the council would consider paying more of the employees’ portion of the premiums.

The council decided to stick with their original decision to break up the $500 over the year.

In other business, the council held a public hearing  for comment on the Indian Creek Quarries tax abatement.

Council member Rich Summers explained the abatement was for their equipment and personal property.

When asked how much that would be,  Summers replied around $44,000 would be abated the first year with a 10-percent decrease each year or $242,000 over the tax abatement duration. With the same amount being collected in taxes not including property tax which, is not included in the abatement.

Owner Dave Graber said they currently have 11 employees, four of whom are Martin County residents. He said going forward they would like to have at least 50 percent of their new employees to be residents of Martin County — most probably being in the trucking side of the business, he said.

Councilman Randy Wininger made the motion to approve the abatement with John Stoll making the second and the rest of the council in favor.

The tax abatement will begin in 2013.

After the vote, Councilman Lonnie Hawkins asked the owners of the quarry to continue to be good neighbors.

Text Only
Local News
lentsmugshot.jpg

Obituaries
Local Sports
The "Z" Watch
Must Read
Entertainment
State News
Featured Ads
Facebook
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Poll

Should Washington enhance the smoking ban to bars and clubs?

Yes
No
Unsure
     View Results
AP Video
Hoffa Mystery Still Fascinates After 4 Decades Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park Raw: Obama Arrives in Berlin 3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter Obama Seeks G-8 Support on Syria Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies Suicide Bombs Target Baghdad Mosque, Killing 29 Military Plans to Put Women in Combat Jobs Solar Power Chargers in NYC Parks Civil Rights Groups Sue NYPD Over Muslim Spying Raw: First Lady, Daughters Enjoy Irish Sights RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled Boeing, Airbus Battle for Sales Supremacy
Clicker Ticker
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide