Jeff Watson

jwatson@thecherawchronicle.com

CHESTERFIELD---The Chesterfield County Council passed the 2008-2009 budget on June 25 in a special meeting. Ann Brumley, Crawford Moore, Lenora Powe, Robert Cole and Frank Plyler voted in favor of the budget while Al Johnson, Gerald Miller and Eddie Rivers were opposed.

Council passed a total operating budget of $13,021,484.

A 2.17 millage increase is included in the budget to counter the 2.8% increase in cost of living for employee. The increase is the maximum allowed by the state legislature's millage cap.

Taking care of employees was a goal of council during the budget process. Council wanted to make sure employees got much deserved raises.

"If we are going to retain good employees, we have to give them an increase," said Rivers at the Apr 2 meeting.

Chesterfield County Administrator Ronald Thurman said that the millage increase will only allow the county to just provide cost of living raises for employees.

"Cost of living increases eat up all but $844 of money that will be gained from the tax increase," Thurman said during the Apr 2 meeting.

Council first heard about the budget at the April 2 County Council meeting. First reading of the proposed budget was approved by council, with Johnson being the only member of council opposed.