Cape Girardeau County employees to get 2.5 percent cost-of-living increase in preliminary budget

Cape Girardeau County commissioners voted 2 to 1 to approve the preliminary 2011 county budget Monday. Commissioner Jay Purcell was the dissenting vote, but declined to explain his opposition.

The budget included a 2.5 percent cost-of-living increase for county employees. The commission does not set the salaries for elected officials. Those salaries are determined by the county's salary commission and state statute.

Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones said he is proud of county officials for their judicious use of taxpayer funds. He said they often have money left in their budgets at the end of the year.

"The interesting figure is the unencumbered balance," he said. "Our officeholders ... only spend what's necessary."

Jones said in 2005 the unencumbered balance was $905,000 and has increased to $1.597 million in 2010.

Expenses for 2010 were projected at more than $11 million, but actual expenditures are below the estimate at a little more than $9.5 million.

Projected revenue for 2011 is $11,644,160 for general revenue, $2,783,113 for road and bridge and $6,204,000 for Prop 1.

Final approval will be after a public hearing Jan. 10.

In other business

• Commissioners accepted the recommendations of the county's insurance agent Doug Mueller of W.E. Walker Insurance regarding the county's property insurance. Mueller recommended the county switch coverage to Cincinnati Insurance Co., which offered more coverage for a lower premium.
• Commissioners approved service contracts on copy machines in the recorder of deeds office and the sheriff's department.
• Commissioners approved the housing agreement with the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri.
• Commissioners approved the purchase of file, certification, signature and return address stamps for the circuit clerk's office. The cost will be $1,508 for 55 stamps purchased from Offices Unlimited.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-8600

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1 Barton Square, Jackson, MO