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Preston commissioners detail 2018-19’ budget

KINGWOOD — Preston commissioners detailed a 2018-‘19 budget March 19 that includes raises for county employees, funding some requests from the community and continuing support for libraries, fire departments and ambulance services.

The new budget, which begins July 1, includes $40,887 more in taxes than the current fiscal year, for a total budget of $8,942,903. The county also attained Class I county status, as total assessments will top the $2 billion mark.

County Clerk Linda Huggins and the commission each cut one employee, and Jennings said that enabled the commission to provide enough money in each office holder’s budget to give each full-time employee a $1,000 raise and each part-time worker $600.

The actual raises will be determined by office holders in their departments.