County Officials to Get Pay Raise in July

January 12, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

County officials here and across the state are getting a pay raise this year.

Compensation for most county officials is governed by state law which establishes the minimum for Assessors of Property, County Clerks, Clerks of Court, Trustees, Registers of Deeds, County Mayors, Sheriffs, and Highway Officials. This law provides for an automatic increase in the minimum salary each year based on the percentage increase given to state employees for the previous fiscal year. The state commissioner of finance and administration certified on October 19, 2017, that state employees received an average increase of 4.66 percent for the fiscal year 2018-2019.

The salaries of the county officials are partly based on the population class of the county and the office. Not all office holders earn the same amount of pay.

Under state law:

• The County Mayor’s compensation shall be at least 5% higher than the salary paid to any other county constitutional officer.
• The Sheriff’s salary shall be at least 10% higher than the salary paid to the general officers of the county.
• The Road Supervisor’s compensation shall be at least 10% higher than the salary paid to the general officers of the county.
• The salary of the General Sessions Judge is to be increased annually in the same manner as state court judges, which is the actual percentage change in the consumer price index between the two previous calendar years. The CPI change between 2017 and 2018 has not been calculated at this time. When released, the increase in salary of the general sessions court judges will be updated for the coming fiscal year.
• The Administrator of Elections salary is 90% of the base salary of the Assessor of Property.

The new salary schedule as set by the state for DeKalb County effective July 1 is as follows:

• General Sessions/Juvenile Court Judge: Currently $92,158 per year (To be updated later)
• County Mayor: $83,238 per year, up from $79,326.
• Road Supervisor: $79,276, up from $75,550
• Sheriff: $79,276, up from $75,550
• Trustee: $72,069, up from $68,682
• County Clerk: $72,069, up from $68,682
• Circuit Court Clerk: $72,069, up from $68,682
• Clerk and Master: $72,069, up from $68,682
• Register of Deeds: $72,069, up from $68,682
• Assessor of Property: $72,069, up from $68,682
• Administrator of Elections: $64,862, up from $61,633

January 12, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb Middle School is working towards their 2nd theatrical musical. Last year was DMS’s first full length Musical “ Christmas in Neverland”. It was performed in the DMS auditorium and sold out both of its public performances. Josh Issac will once again direct the 2017-2018 theatrical musical at DMS.

“Disney’s The Lion King Jr. has been the hardest show I have ever produced. This show will be a cultural experience DeKalb has never seen.” said Issac.

The Lion King Jr. will be at the DeKalb County Complex.

“ I am so excited to bring Lion King to all the schools this year. Patrick Cripps, Mandy Dakas, Tim Stribling, and Jimmy Sprague have worked hard to coordinate the success of all 6 of the school performances. This show has taken on a life of its own and couldn’t have been accomplished without everyone’s help. My dream has always been to bring the arts back to all the schools. As a child I loved going to Cumberland Play House and that’s where I started my passion for Theater. I am confident that programs like this will also spark that same passion in our kids,” said Issac.

The Lion King Jr. will provide free shows for grades 2nd-8th grade all across DeKalb County. The Lion King has over 40 in the cast with over 100 costumes, 18 songs, 20 dances, and over 20 adult workers. You may think you know the story of The Lion King but this broadway version changes it some with all your favorite songs and many new songs that will transport you to where it all started. This is a show for all ages.

Public performance show times are January 30th, February 1st and 2nd at 7 p.m. at the DeKalb Community Complex. Ticket price is $10. All Cast members are selling tickets or you may call DMS.

January 12, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

State Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon) has three new committee appointments in the Senate, including a leadership role as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Today, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) announced this vice-chairmanship appointment, in addition to his appointment to the Transportation and Safety Committee, and the Government Operations Committee.

“Senator Pody has significant legislative experience from his time in the House,” said McNally. “I look forward to him hitting the ground running with these new assignments.”

The Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee’s scope includes review of legislation pertaining to Tennessee’s hunting and fishing laws, state parks, energy conservation, agriculture, preservation of natural resources and fostering the state’s tourism industry.

The Senate Transportation and Safety Committee is responsible for highways, roads and bridges; railroads; air, bus and vehicular transportation; rules and regulations for highways, and facilities in connection with and navigation of waterways, lakes and streams; and the Department of Safety.

The Senate Government Operations Committee is generally perceived as one of the most powerful in the General Assembly as it oversees legislation to create, reauthorize, reorganize or sunset departments, commissions, boards, agencies or councils of state government. The Committee also hears bills regarding licensing and/or certification of occupational and/or professional groups and reviews regulations promulgated by all Tennessee departments, commissions, boards or agencies.

“I am honored to serve on these Senate committees this session,” said Sen. Pody. “The committee process is an important part in passing legislation, and I will work to represent the counties of Cannon, Clay, DeKalb, Macon, Smith and Wilson well in these committees.”