County approves budget for 2024

In a brief meeting, the Madison County Quorum Court on Monday night unanimously approved an operating budget of $18,062,779.21 for 2024, an increase of $2,002,655 over 2023’s budget of $16,060,124.96. The budget, which was passed on its third reading by title only, contains 5% raises for employees making $38,000 or below, with those making above that amount receiving a 3% raise. Those amounts were recommended to the court by the budget committee, which met on Dec. 5 and 13. The county is also giving new sheriff’s deputies with up to five years’ experience the equivalent of five years’ longevity pay. The committee also decided to make this recommendation at a previous meeting.