Ecru Aldermen Reverse Course on Budget

ECRU, Miss. (WCBI) — Some hefty pay raises have some Ecru aldermen rethinking the city’s 2014 budget.

Earlier this month, aldermen approved a spending plan for the new budget year that starts Oct. 1. But after further review, Alderwoman Gloria High questioned raises of 7 percent or more for the town clerk, police chief, mayor and aldermen.

High said the city’s salaries already were well above those in similar towns and the pay increases would only make it worse. The raises add up to more than $50,000 and some aldermen and citizens think they should be scaled back and the city consider reducing property taxes.

Aldermen reversed their previous budget approval and will review the budget more next week.