Stephens County Commission Meeting Today

Stephens County Commissioners will hold the first public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2017 budget today.

That public hearing is set to start at 8:30 a.m. in the second-floor courtroom of the historic Stephens County Courthouse in downtown Toccoa.

The total Fiscal Year 2017 proposed general fund budget for Stephens County is just under $13.6 million, which is 1 percent higher than the projected Fiscal Year 2016 ending general fund budget of $13.43 million.

It proposes to keep the millage rate at 13.41 mills.

Also, it proposes a six percent raise to those county employees making $15 or less an hour, a four percent raise to those making between $15.01 and $20 an hour, and a two percent raise to those making more than $20 an hour.

Stephens County Administrator Phyllis Ayers said last week those raises are designed to help employees deal with a rise in the county’s health insurance premiums.

Meanwhile, another proposal to help on the health insurance front is on the agenda for this morning’s regular Stephens County Commission meeting, which will follow after the budget public hearing.

County commissioners are expected to consider a motion to offer employees dual health plans.

Following the budget and other public hearings at 8:30 a.m., county commissioners will discuss the business meeting agenda during a work session.

The business meeting to vote on agenda items will follow right after the work session.

Today’s 8:30 a.m. Stephens County Commission meeting also provides an opportunity for public comment.