Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson has issued a statement regarding the lack of a budget being passed for 2025 as the Quorum Court prepares to meet Monday evening to attempt to pass a budget.
The statement is as follows:
Justices,
The failure to pass a 2025 budget has caused irreparable harm to our county government. Our citizens and employees have suffered long enough. I am reaching out to urge us all to bring this matter to a resolution.
After reviewing the budget proposed by the seven justices, I must highlight critical concerns:
- Vetoed Budget and Illegal Raises
- This budget was vetoed and the Quorum Court failed to override the veto.
- It includes raises that exceed the legally allowed 5%, totaling over $125,490.35. These raises were granted to chief deputies in each constitutional office.
- Additional positions were added in three departments:
- Legislative Clerk in County Clerk Shawndra Taggart’s office
- Deputy Clerk in Tax Collector Tony Washington’s office
- Five positions in Sheriff Lafayette Woods’ department
- Nepotism Violation in the Assessor’s Office
- Payments totaling $64,067.92 were deemed illegal by Circuit Judge Randall Wright due to nepotism involving Gloria Tillman and Morgan Tillman. County Attorney Terry Wynne has concurred with Judge Wright’s decision.
- Inflated Attorney Fee Lines
- Several departments added $15,000 to attorney fee lines that were previously zero.
- We already pay to AAC $650,000 for legal coverage
Proposed Solutions:
- Addressing Sheriff’s Department:
- Sheriff Woods’ revenue is up, and his positions can be reintroduced at the February meeting without the raises.
- Any shortfalls in juvenile education, school lunch programs, or grants should also be presented at that time.
- It’s worth noting that this situation might have been avoided had Sheriff Woods attended his department’s budget meetings.
- Retroactive Wages and Employee Relief:
- Wages lost by employees should be made retroactive to January 1, 2025.
- To assist employees affected by late charges or fees, I propose a $500 bonus from the emergency reserve fund.
- Future Adjustments:
- In June, pending revenue performance, we can revisit the possibility of a 5% salary increase for all employees, excluding elected officials.
As we continue to face population decline, it is imperative that we remain cautious and act as good stewards of the County’s tax dollars. I trust we can agree on these measures to move forward in a lawful, fair, and fiscally responsible manner. We cannot compromise our integrity to benefit a few at the expense of the many.
Respectfully Submitted,
County Judge Gerald Robinson
County Judge Gerald Robinson
