Beech Tree News Network

Ferry operators to receive additional $1 per hour raise

Butler County Fiscal Court had a short but productive called meeting on Tuesday, June 30, as magistrates approved their 2026-27 budget and raises for employees.  All magistrates - Stevie Givens, Kevin Phelps, Allen Smith, David Whittinghill, and Dillon Bryan along with Judge/Executive Tim Flener were present. The 2026-27 budget was approved unanimously on its second reading.  Budget details have been discussed at previous meetings and a copy of the approved budget can be found at the link below.  

The Butler County 2026-2027 budget: 2026-2027 Appropriations Budget Summary Publication (1).pdf

Judge/Executive Tim Flener expressed his appreciation for magistrates doing their “due diligence” on the budget and he also thanked office employees for their contributions.

Employee raises were the next topic and the discussion included various comments by different magistrates regarding budget impact, road fund money, the state gas tax, and ferry operations, among other things.  

Judge/Executive Tim Flener

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A 50-cent across-the-board raise for county employees was discussed.  Third District Magistrate Allen Smith stated that he would like to see ferry operators receive more than the 50-cent due to the nature of the job, hours and working conditions, and the need for employee retention.  

Second District Magistrate Kevin Phelps said raises for ferry operators would not impact the county budget but would rather come from ferry funds provided by the state.

Fourth District Magistrate David Whittinghill stated that it was “still tax money,” as part of his questioning.  

Finally, a consensus was reached to move forward on the across-the-board raise for employees and then discuss possible ferry raises separately.  

On Mr. Whittinghill’s motion and a second by Mr. Phelps, the 50-cent raise for all employees was approved.  This raise applies to all employees - hourly and salary.  

Magistrates Whittinghill and Givens

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Regarding ferry operators, Mr. Phelps said he agreed with Mr. Smith in supporting an additional $1 per hour raise for ferry operators.  Following a motion by Mr. Whittinghill and a second by Mr. Phelps, the court unanimously approved the additional $1 per hours raise for for ferry operators.  There are two operators at each ferry - Rochester and Reeds. 

Magistrate Stevie Givens moved that his “celebration” money be appropriated to the First District Fire Department ($1,250) and Lilly Suggs for painting at the Butler County Courthouse.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Phelps and approved unanimously by the court.  In the future, “celebration” money will be referred to as a “district support appropriation.”   

Kirk Atkinson/Fourth Disrict VFD; Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson looks on.

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Kirk Atkinson with the Fourth District Fire Department asked for the court’s support in purchasing a 2001 International pumper truck.  According to Mr. Atkinson, the purchase price is $65,000 but the department is wanting to borrow $70,000.  The additional money would be used for radios, decals and a mobile repeater.  He also stated that Fourth District VFD would be able to put $7,000 down on the purchase and would need to finance $63,000.  

A robust discussion ensued among magistrates ranging from financing options, the age and reliability of the truck, the size of the vehicle, state aid funds for the department, etc.

Finally, the consensus of the court was for Mr. Atkinson to secure the precise terms of financing and report back.  

Magistrate also approved routine transfers for the month before adjourning.