Floyd County Courthouse (Alex Driggars/Floyd County Record)
FLOYDADA – “So what’s not going to go up?” Commissioner Tanner Smith jokingly asked Monday morning as he and the other Floyd County Commissioners began to discuss the 2023 budget.
The reality is that the cost of everything is rising exponentially, especially fuel. As maintainers of county roads and property, much of the commissioners’ budgets are heavily impacted by the price of diesel.
In addition to fuel, Judge Marty Lucke also presented the court with paperwork showing property insurance, IT security and even public defender costs are all rising. With health insurance costs also increasing by roughly fifty dollars per employee per month, Judge Lucke asked commissioners to consider a cost of living increase for county employees as well. The 8.3 percent across the board increase would cost the county $65,000 more per budget year, with Lucke telling the court he would personally forsake an increase in salary.
“The budget is going to have to increase,” Lucke admitted to commissioners. “But I want to stay within ten percent.”
While all numbers are still up for debate, commissioners all agreed whatever the final number, it had to be digestible for Floyd County residents. “We can’t forsake the people of the county,” said commissioner Nathan Johnson.
Commissioners agreed to review the paperwork presented by Lucke and discuss it further during their July meeting.
The 2023 budget takes effect on October 1.
