VIGO Co., Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Vigo County Council passed its 2020 budget Thursday night after weeks work.
“It was passed unanimously and we were very pleased with the work we accomplished,” said Councilman Mike Morris.
Morris said the $67 million budget included many high points, like raises for county employees.
“Last year it was one percent and all the council members felt that it was very important that our employees be recognized, so we prioritized the pay raise for them. We talked about several things and we were able to give a four percent increase,” he said.
The budget will also add six new jobs for the Vigo County court system, including three probation officers and three screening analysts.
“This is one of the things that have been discussed with the jail. This is to hopefully process people and keep the system moving in a better manner,” he said.
Vigo County’s emergency dispatch will also see benefits after Thursday night’s budget meeting.
“With the tax we passed last year, public safety tax, it paid for all of our 911 and dispatch for the city and the county,” he said.
$4 million of the budget will go to various road projects in the county, including improvements on Springhill Road.
“There’s money allocated for the continued improvement of Springhill Road from Seventh street to [Erie] Canal Road. Commissioners have a project for Clinton Road improvement,” Morris said.
According to the councilman, he is pleased with Vigo County’s direction after passing this budget.
“There’s a lot of important projects to be taken care of. We have a lot of important issues, but I believe we’re in a sound position to manage them,” said Morris.
Councilman Morris said two of the six new positions being added to the county court system will be grant funded. for the other four, just under $300,000 will be used to create those jobs.
The 2020 budget will keep the county at about the same operating balance as before of around $16.3 million dollars.
