Money for Firefighters, Deputies Divides Council

As County Council deliberates over next fiscal year's budget, members split Tuesday on raising taxes to help fund increased law enforcement and fire protection.

At issue is adding about $7.50 to the annual assessment of a $100,000 home to supply deputies with more crime-fighting tools and to add 10 firefighters, according to The State.

While some Council members are reticent about increasing taxes and have made pledges not to, Council member Todd Cullum said the money asked for by Sheriff James Metts and Fire Chief Brad Cox are "worthwhile investments."

The Council over the coming weeks will continue to settle on a final budget, currently pegged at $101.8 million. That figure is $13.9 million less than requested for county services, with no tax hike and no pay raises for 1,300 county workers. Approximately two-thirds of the extra amount being asked for is for law enforcement and fire service, the paper reported.