The White County Commission convened on August 5, 2025, to discuss various budgetary matters, particularly focusing on employee compensation and departmental funding allocations.

The meeting began with a discussion regarding the proposed compensation for county employees. It was noted that each employee would receive a one-time payment of $4,500, which would be uniformly distributed across departments, including the Sheriff's Department and EMS. However, it was highlighted that there would be no longevity pay for employees in the general fund, which includes courthouse staff and other county employees.

Commissioners engaged in a dialogue about the implications of this compensation structure, with some expressing concerns about the lack of longevity pay for certain departments. A commissioner pointed out that the road department would continue to receive the same funding allocation as before, emphasizing that all departments were essentially receiving the same amount without additional longevity benefits.

The discussion also touched on the Emergency Management Agency (EMA), where it was confirmed that there would be a reduction in funding. This point was acknowledged as a significant change in the budget.

Following the discussions, a roll call vote was conducted regarding the proposed budget adjustments. The outcome was a narrow approval, with three commissioners voting in favor and two against. The proposal will be forwarded to the full court for further consideration on August 18.

In summary, the meeting addressed key issues surrounding employee compensation and departmental funding, with a focus on equitable pay distribution and the implications of budget cuts in specific areas. The commission's decisions will be further evaluated in the upcoming full court meeting.