After five years without seeing an increase, Pasco County employees might soon see their paychecks rise.
During the Feb. 19 board meeting, Commissioner Henry Wilson brought up the idea of asking staff to work a 3-percent increase into the upcoming budget for Fiscal Year 2014, which starts on Oct. 1.
According to The Tampa Tribune, all five commissioners were receptive to the idea, which could ultimately cost the county about $3.5 million. Commissioners also asked that constitutional officers, such as Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley, also consider giving employees a 3 percent adjustment.
Whether the proposed raise would require an increase in property taxes is unclear. The commission will begin crunching budget numbers in the near future.
Increasing county expenditures after years of belt tightening seems to be a theme for upcoming budget talks. Commissioner Jack Mariano has also made it clear he’d like staff to see what can be done about opening the county’s libraries for more hours each week and he’d like to see many of the fees charged at county parks go away.
What do you think, New Port Richey? Is it time for Pasco County to ease up on spending restrictions? Would you be willing to pay more to fund raises for county workers? Share your thoughts
