OKEECHOBEE – Okeechobee County officials hope to give county employees a raise while at the same time keeping the budget flat.

At their May 8 meeting, Commission Chairman David Hazelleif said while department heads have been asked to bring back a “flat budget across the board,” he hopes they can cut back on other expenses so they can give county staff at least a cost of living (COLA) increase.

While the 2025 COLA is estimated at 2.6%, Hazellief suggested they provide a 3% COLA increase and allow merit increases up to 2%. He said that does not apply to union employees, whose pay is specified in the union contract.

County officials have asked department heads to bring back a flat budget across the board.

“At a minimum, I would say 2.6% across the board and the rest is up to the department heads,” said Commissioner Michael Sumner.

“If our revenues get cut at the state level, reality is reality, we’re only going to have so much to work with,” said Sumner.

“I concur with you on 3% COLA and the 2% up to the supervisors in each department,” said Commissioner Brad Goodbread. “Not only are we competing for staff with other counties but we’re also competing with the private sector. There is an expense in training somebody.”

He said staff are needed for the county to run efficiently and effectively.

“Everything has gone up from eggs to light bills. The least we can do is to keep up with inflation,” said Goodbread.

“I wish we could give everybody a 10% raise,” said Commissioner Frank DeCarlo. He said the county should at least do the cost of living increase.

“All this may change depending in what the legislature does,” Hazellief added. “Keep in mind, it may have to be adjusted.”

The Florida Legislature is currently considering bills that would reduce the sales tax, revise the local option sales taxes and eliminate special assessments for municipalities.

County budget workshops are planned July 15-17. The tentative millage rate will be held at the July 24 meeting. Public hearings will be held after the rate is set.

Administrative Services Director Lisa Ridley said they anncitipate increases in garbage collection, fire protection and EMS fees.

The current annual garbage collection fee is $377.04. A projected 4.58% increase would bring that to $392.52.

The current residential rate for fire protection is $135.09. A projected 6% increase would bring that to $143.34.

The current EMS residential rate is $166.90. The projected 6% increase would bring that to $179.11.