Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy's proposed county government budget for 2016 calls for pay raises for county employees and herself. The spending plan also include propels to finish the county wastewater treatment facility which is currently 65 percent complete, improve permit processes, continuing a property cleanup program, and use "leanGÇ¥ practices to eliminate waste in county government. The budget McCarthy presented to the County Council Sept. 22 will undergo a series of public hearings before the council votes on a final plan in November. McCarthy said her proposals reflect an expanded economy, improved "customer service" for county residents, and an investment in what she termed the "moral centerGÇ¥ of government. "We have worked hard over the past seven years to provide a stable fiscal platform despite shouldering the burden of one of the greatest recessions this country has ever seen,GÇ¥ she said, adding that expenditures and revenues are balanced because county employees "have done an extremely good job of working together.GÇ¥ McCarthy proposes a cost-of-living salary increase for the county workforce of about 3,000 people. Also included in her budget plan is a 2.5 percent pay raise for the county executive, which has been recommended by an independent salary commission on the wages of elected county officials. McCarthy will serve as executive through 2016, the last year of her second four-year term. The county executive is limited to two terms. According to McCarthy, her proposals support further investments in county programs, such as: " Pre-trial services to help reduce jail costs, keep communities safe and provide equal justice. " Mental health services through District Court and juvenile courts. " Resources to cover rising healthcare and pension costs. " Meeting the increased use of county parks and recreational facilities and keeping them well-maintained. If approved as presented so far, the general fund portion of the budget (for standard operations of county agencies and government) would be $287 million, about $6 million higher than 2015's general fund.
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