The Bartholomew County Council continues its work on next year’s budget. Councilman Jorge Morales compares last year’s budget sessions to this year’s…

Morales, and other council members, say that its important to “take care” of county employees, especially after the hit they took last year on increased healthcare costs…

One of the measures being considered is reducing the work week for county employees from 40 hours to 37.5, while keeping their weekly pay the same. Council members say that employees working in public safety would stay at 40 hours. Morales says that he isn’t sure that this is fair to the employees…

In addition to the reduced hours, the council is also considering a pay-raise of up to 2.5-percent for all county employees. Morales says that, while he wants employees to receive a raise, it would essentially be doubled for those whose work weeks are reduced.

Council members say that if employees need to work more than 37.5 hours, they will receive straight-time up to 40 hours, then time-and-a-half after that.

The council is scheduled to meet again Tuesday at 5 p.m. to continue budget talks. Sessions are also scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday at 5 p.m. You are invited.