“I've never voted against a budget,” Smith said during a break in the meeting. “I know we're obligated to build a school, but we need to provide for our employees.”

Employees this year are receiving a one-time bonus of $500 instead of a percentage cost of living increase.

Johnson said following the meeting, “I was in favor of increasing employee salaries.”

She also said she believed the county should fund teacher bonuses as it did during this fiscal year.

Johnson said while commissioners indicated last week pay increases would be a priority in the upcoming fiscal year, “It doesn't help them this year. We've lost a few good employees.”

County Attorney Glynn Rollins explained since the board agreed to retire the tax increase once the Manning debt service is paid off, the county must have a section in the budget devoted to the tax rate. He said the tax rate is expected to change as the debt service amortization decreases. “It can't be used for any other purpose. It does need to be reviewed each year.”

Commissioner Rives Manning pointed out this process wasn't done when the Enfield and Inborden schools were built. “It was hidden in our budget. It was not a special item. Everyone didn't known we were putting 5 cents in Enfield and Inborden.”