Chairman Travis Turner

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — Coming off a year in which county government was forced to tighten its belt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. White County Commissioners voted Monday to approve a FY 2022 budget of $27,899.196 that includes an 11 percent increase in spending and maintains a millage rate of 10.75.

Chairman Travis Turner pointed out the new budget includes a 2.5 percent increase in the cost of living allowance as well as an additional 2.5 percent increase for employees who have graded well under performance reviews and will not require a millage rate increase for property owners.

Chief Financial Officer Jodi Ligon presented the budget and stated the Fund Balance will be used to balance the budget.

Sheriff Rick Kelley said, “Tthe cost of living increase is going to be huge for employee retention. There are several sheriff’s offices and agencies that have been losing employees at a fast rate and we’re starting to slowly lose a few here and there.”