During a recent Chatham County government meeting, officials discussed key budgetary adjustments that aim to enhance community services and support local staff. A notable recommendation was made for a 4% salary increase for Cooperative Extension staff, which is higher than the state’s proposed 2.5% increase. This adjustment is intended to retain experienced staff with advanced degrees and maintain the county's high-quality programming.

The meeting also highlighted challenges faced by the library, where rising supply costs have made it difficult to keep media circulation modern. Although two requests for part-time library assistants were not approved, library staff continue to work diligently to enhance services.

In the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources department, salary and benefit increases were discussed, along with a proposed increase in recreation funds allocated to municipalities based on population estimates. A significant recommendation included the introduction of on-call pay for park staff, who previously did not receive compensation for emergency situations, such as the recent dam failure at Northeast Park.

Overall, the budget reflects a modest increase of approximately 0.27%, with some expansions recommended to improve service delivery. The meeting concluded with a brief technical break, as officials worked to resolve connectivity issues for remote participants.

These discussions underscore the county's commitment to supporting its workforce and enhancing community resources, ensuring that residents continue to benefit from quality services. As the budget progresses, officials will continue to evaluate and adjust funding to meet the evolving needs of Chatham County.