The Cache County Council has approved a $12.6 million budget for 1992 that avoided increasing the property tax by reducing a planned salary hike for employees.
The more than 100 people attending the budget hearing Tuesday night were pleased and surprised that the council dropped its earlier plan to increase property taxes by 6.1 percent.Council chairwoman Ann Skanchy said the council decided to do everything possible to avoid raising taxes and "unfortunately it meant giving county employees considerably less than they wanted."
All county workers, including elected officials, will receive a 2.5 percent salary increase. Earlier budget plans had called for a 3 percent pay hike and an additional 3 percent in merit increases.
Funding five new jailers requested by Sheriff Sid Groll also was eliminated.
Groll said the new staffers may not be needed until early 1993, but, "I'll be back asking you to fund those positions if the jail expansion project is finished late next year."
Council member Chris Coray said it was important not to hike taxes this year because completing the jail will mean huge costs to the county for maintenance and operation starting in 1993.
At an earlier meeting, council member Larry Ahnder recommended the salaries of the seven council members be increased from $1,200 a year to $2,400. He said Logan Municipal Council members receive $3,600 per year plus benefits.