Mobile County Commission Passes 2018 Budget, Approves Employee Raises

Posted on: Sep 26th, 2017 | News and Announcements

On September 25, the Mobile County Commission passed its Fiscal Year 2018 budget. The $141,965,890 budget is an increase of less than one percent over the FY 2017 budget and includes $6 million in carryover from last year. The budget provides for $5.1 million in capital improvements made possible by the carryover. ?We are pleased to have worked out a budget that meets the needs of Mobile and its residents, and funds many needed projects that have been delayed,? said Commission President Merceria Ludgood. ?Our conservative approach to budgeting enables us to plan ahead for declines in revenue and catastrophic events.? The budget also includes a 2.5 percent merit raise for eligible employees, who have completed their probationary period and have received a satisfactory or above service rating; however, sworn and correction officers from the Sheriff?s Office will receive a 2.5 percent cost of living raise. (They received a 7.5 percent raise earlier this year.) Employees will receive the increase on the last full pay period in October. In addition, eligible employees will also receive a one-time $500 non-recurring benefit (similar to a bonus) during the first full pay period in November. Commissioner Connie Hudson thanked county departments and agencies for ?staying within their budgets over the past year, and making the budget preparation a team effort. It has put us in a good position going forward. We are particularly pleased to be able to provide the 2.5 percent raises and the one-time $500 incentive to our employees.? Fifty percent of the County?s resources are allocated to public safety, and the remainder is applied to general governmental operations. ?We?ve been conservative with our budget at least over the past five years and that has put us in a good situation. Moody?s upgraded our bond rating which saves us money and puts us on firm financial footing. This budget also provides money for greatly needed capital improvements and the ability to help our employees,? explained Commissioner Jerry Carl.