By Jason C. Mattox and Billy Davis

After spending the bulk of three budget meetings discussing pay raises for employees, City of Batesville leaders settled that debate Wednesday night within an hour.

After a brief discussion, aldermen voted to give a $50 monthly raise to city employees who make less than $30,000 annually.

Employees who make at least $30,000 annually get a two-percent increase.

The City of Batesville has approximately 150 full-time employees.

The city is preparing an annual budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. The fiscal year begins October 1.  

CPA Bill Crawford had presented Mayor Jerry Autrey and Board of Aldermen with three options for employee pay raises:

•    Two percent across the board at a total cost to the city of $426,000.

•    Two percent to employees earning over $30,000 and $50 per month to employees earning less than $30,000 at a cost of $439,000.

•    Two percent to employees earning over $30,000 and $60 per month to employees earning less than $30,000 at a cost of $461,000.

“We figured it based on the fact that a person earning under $30,000 will see more of an increase than they would getting a two percent increase,” Crawford said.

“People making over $30,000 per year will see the impact of a two percent raise,” he went on to explain.

“I can honestly tell you that you have positive ending balances in all of your accounts no matter which of the options you chose,” Crawford said.

Aldermen then voted for the $50 monthly raise and two-percent increase.

Aldermen also voted to leave the city’s millage unchanged for the fifth year in a row.

City leaders have said in past meetings that they plan to increase monthly sanitation fees, and increase sewer and water rates.

The cost of trash service is increasing $1.31 a month to an even $11.

Batesville uses Panola County Solid Waste.

Sewer and water rates are rising by three percent, city leaders have said.

A public hearing on the proposed budget will be held August 7 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.