The Madison County Commission approved a $257 million Fiscal 2024 budget at its meeting Wednesday that will lead to more paved roads, more money for volunteer fire departments and more money in the pockets of county employees.

The budget reflects Madison County’s growth. The county is on pace to be the second largest in the state. The general fund budget is more than $93 million. Overall, the budget is $16.5 million more than Fiscal 2023, with the general fund, including transfers, increasing by more than $3 million.

“Growth brings in more revenue, but it also brings in more challenges,” County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon said. “We’re trying to address those challenges. … I am thankful for the department heads. They came in and had the opportunity to sit down and talk with us. They were very frugal with the money. They didn’t just come in asking for the moon.”

Paying the employees

Assistant Finance Director Joseph White said the budget includes a 5% cost of living adjustment for county employees.

“That’s big for our employees,” District 4 County Commissioner Phil Vandiver said. “The money management side of me says you don’t need to give that much. But when I go to the gas station and I go to the grocery store, it’s tough out there right now. I’m glad that we can help our employees. … That’s as far as we can go. It’s something that our employees need.”