By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
A fifty-cent per hour across the board raise was approved for Escambia County employees Monday when the Escambia County Commission approved the fiscal year 2009 budget.
County Administrator Tony Sanks said the budget passed by commissioners is a workable, balanced budget for 2009.
Commissioner Todd Williamson said the increase in the budget that allows for pay raises and increased insurance coverage comes with a $25,000 price tag.
Sanks said the budget is nothing without hard work and support of employees of the county.
Stokes said each department in the county is to be commended for their hard work.
Stokes also praised the work of Escambia County Sheriff Grover Smith for his help with making portions of the budget possible.
Stokes said the work of Sanks and others in the administrator's office won't go unnoticed.
The budget includes $2.12 million in tax revenues for the county along with nearly $3 million in intergovernmental and service charges revenues. Big-ticket items in the expenditures for the county include $3.2 million for general government expenses; $3.7 million in public safety costs and $4.5 million for roads and bridges expense.
In other business, commissioners: