County freezes wages as part of budget battle

Whitman County commissioners Monday began chipping away at the county’s budget deficit by eliminating scheduled raises through the end of the year.

“We have to make a statement on wages,” said Commissioner Pat O’Neill.

County employees normally receive “step” raises of three percent when they are upgraded in the county’s classification system every 18 months.

Freezing the raises scheduled for non-union employees, approximately 60 people, through the end of this year is expected to save around $2,000.

“The compelling nature of our budget is such that we have to hold the line on salaries,” said...