The White County Commission held a meeting on May 20, 2025, focusing primarily on budget discussions and public comments regarding the proposed fiscal budget for the upcoming year. The meeting began with a review of budgetary constraints and the ongoing efforts to trim expenses, with officials noting that approximately one million dollars had already been cut from requests.

During the public comment segment, resident Gerald Gray raised concerns about the accuracy of budget figures presented by the commission. He highlighted discrepancies in property tax assessments, noting that many residents faced significant increases that could impact their ability to afford basic necessities. Gray emphasized the importance of transparency in budget line items, expressing confusion over vague categories labeled as "other" and "miscellaneous."

Gray also questioned the proposed salary increases within the budget, suggesting that the figures presented did not accurately reflect the total increases in employee compensation. He pointed out that the average increase per employee in the general fund appeared to be around $8,000, which he argued was inconsistent with the commission's statements.

The commission responded by clarifying that the budget figures included separate allocations for the school system, which the county does not directly control. They acknowledged a 3% salary increase for employees in the previous year but maintained that the overall budget figures were accurate.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, and the budget committee is scheduled to reconvene on June 20, 2025, to continue discussions on the proposed budget. The ongoing dialogue reflects the community's concerns about fiscal responsibility and the impact of budget decisions on residents' lives.