To describe the meeting as chaotic would be putting it mildly. But when the dust had settled, aside from a nearly half million dollar increase in various line items, the majority of the board voted to include step raises for all certified and noncertified employees and a 2% raise for all employees across the board. Total estimated cost of raises is $817,831.

The budget will now go to the county commission. The commission can approve the budget request or reject the request. The impact of such a large increase to the operating budget will surely eliminate the proposed building program. The board has already spent around $2 million dollars on plans for the building program.

Last year the board requested around $900,000.00 from commission but that request was rejected by commission. The issue could go to the commission as early as their next workshop on the 15th.