The Chester County Budget Committee met Monday night to discuss ways to reduce the county’s budget without increasing the county’s property tax rate. This will be the third time this committee has taken budgets to the full commission. The first draft of the budget called for an $.08 increase in property taxes. It was rejected 9-6. The second proposal reduced the tax increase to $.04. This was also voted down, 10-8.
The budget that will be presented when commissioners reconvene Monday, August 4 makes several deep cuts.
A proposed pay increase for county employees was reduced from 4% to 3%. This saves approximately $27,000.
Contributions to Southwest Tennessee Development was reduced from $10,000 to $5,000 and the $5,000 donation to W.R.A.P. was reduced to $2,000, saving the county $7,000.
The amount of overtime in the maintenance department was reduced from $18,000 to $15,000, saving another $3,000.
The budget also calls for reduction in pay to the commissioners. Currently they receive $135 per commission meeting and $67.50 for each committee meeting. The new budget reduces these amounts to the state minimum of $25 per county commission meeting and $12.50 for committee meetings. This saves $12,500 annually. This reduction, however, requires a resolution from the commissioners for this to take effect in the upcoming budget year.
The property tax rate for the 2025-2026 budget will be the state certified tax rate of $1.5853 per $100 off assessed property value.
Commissioners are expected to rubber stamp the committee’s recommendations and approve the budget.
Monday night’s meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the courtroom at the Chester County Courthouse.
