St. Clair County Board approves 2016 budget

The St. Clair County Board has approved a budget for the 2016 fiscal year.

The county’s general fund budget, projected to be $31.5 million, was approved during the county board’s meeting Monday night. The budget includes a 10 percent decrease in expenses, some of which are coming from personnel cuts through attrition and layoffs.

County Board Chairman Mark Kern said the state continues to owe the county money estimated at close to $6.5 million. However, he said the county has been able to avoid raising taxes.

“I think that’s the message that needs to come out of this meeting,” Kern said, after the vote. “The county has decided to tighten its belt instead of raising taxes this year.”

The new budget begins Jan. 1.

Other items

▪  Telecommunicators union contract: The county board voted to approve a two-year contract with its Cencom telecommunicators and calltakers. The new contract calls for a 2 percent wage increase for 2015, and a 2 percent wage increase for 2016. The base wage for 2016 is proposed to be $19.74, under the proposed deal.

▪  County health insurance changes: County Board members also voted to change the health insurance structure for county employees.

Deductibles are proposed to increase to $500 for individuals and $750 for family plans.

Doctor visit copays are proposed to increase to $30 for primary care and $50 for specialists.

Copays for specialty prescription drugs would increase to $100 and $50 for a non-preferred brand drug.

These changes would save the county about $260,000.

This story was originally published December 21, 2015 at 9:07 AM with the headline "St. Clair County Board approves 2016 budget."