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Vol. 31, No. 48 | Richmond Suburban News | April 1, 2015
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Amended budget hikes employee pay plan By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local
Jim Ridolphi for The Local
Kathleen Seay, Hanover County finance director, last week presented budget amendments that outlined an increase in the proposed pay raise for employees.
HANOVER — Hanover County officials are doubling down on their proposed employee raise outlined in the 2016 budget plan now being considered by the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. Responding to an increase in state funding for Standards of Quality (SOQ) raises for teachers and other additional state revenues, finance director Kathleen Seay presented an amended budget during last Wednesday’s regular board meeting. The major change recommends a 2 percent raise for all county employees who qualify, twice the
Wade decides not to seek re-election, endorses Wyatt By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local MECHANICSVILLE — Elton Wade, the Cold Harbor representative on the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, sat patiently through a two-hour-plus annual budget presentation a few weeks ago as numerous department heads made their case for this year’s proposed $396.5 million document. When it comes to annual budget considerations, it’s not Wade’s first
rodeo — but it will be his last. “It’s time,” the 81-yearold said after the Feb. 25 hearing. “I want to take some time to rest and get my health
“The most significant change coming out of the General Assembly for us was partial funding of a 1.5 percent increase for our teachers.” KATHLEEN SEAY Finance director
amount originally proposed. “The most financially significant change coming out of the General Assembly for us was partial fund-
ing of a 1.5 percent increase for our teachers,” Seay said. “Other localities have adjusted their compensation up to as much as 2 percent. With the additional news from the state, the county administrator [Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr.] and our superintendent of schools [Dr. Jamelle S. Wilson] have worked closely to determine the best way to fully utilize those funds from the state and also stay competitive with our peers … would be to present an amendment that changes our compensation increase from 1 percent effective July 1 to 2 percent effective the first of October,” she added. see BUDGET, pg. 4
Students target underage drinking
WADE
Photo courtesy of Mary Ellen Colangelo
High school students in Hanover County Public Schools are spreading a message to prevent underage drinking by taking part in the “Sticker Shock” program. Sgt. Scott Menzies, right, of the Ashland Police Department is shown with some of the students who posted stickers in the areas of stores that sell alcoholic beverages. For more on this program, turn to page 7.
see WADE, pg. 4
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