Employees learned they will receive pay
raises again this year as Wood County’s finances continue to rebound.A 2.5-percent raise, a .5-percent
one-time lump sum and a salary step increase were part of the 2014 budget county commissioners approved
Thursday.The pay increases for about 800 employees result in a $534,901.06 increase to the year’s
appropriations, an adjustment made possible by responsible budgeting, according to Joe Fawcett,
assistant county administrator.Appropriation totals have been “whittled down” for the last several years
and are closer to those not seen since 2006, Fawcett said.“Knowing that, the commissioners felt
comfortable giving this type of pay raise.”No raises were given in 2010 or 2011. Increases were 1
percent in 2012 and 1.5 percent in 2013, also bolstered by a one-time payment.The 2014 budget is set at
$37,111,725, lower than last year’s appropriations by $193,048.18.A letter sent to elected officials and
department heads indicates cautious confidence in the county’s financial position.“There are promising
signs in our local economy with business expansions and positive sales tax receipts. Our optimism is
tempered by continued uncertainty in the Local Government Fund by the State Legislature, increased
health benefits costs, and continued decline in investment income.”