DeKalb spends on water and sewer upgrades

The biggest spending increase in DeKalb proposed government budget is $48 million for water and sewer construction.

Overall, Interim DeKalb CEO Lee May's recommended $1.38 billion midyear 2016 budget is $57.6 million, or 4.4 percent, larger than the county's spending plan that was approved in February.

The water and sewer improvements are part of the county's long-term project to reduce sewage spills and increase capacity. The capital improvements are costing utility customers $1.35 billion.

DeKalb Budget Director Jay Vinicki said during a Monday budget meeting that the county’s budget increase is only $9 million, or 0.7 percent, after adjusting for the water and sewer costs.

That money would primarily go toward 4 pay raises for DeKalb employees retroactive to May.

The midyear budget would spend $6.3 million to finish giving raises to the county’s 6,000 employees after $5.1 million was allocated in the February budget. The raises would cost $17.1 million annually.

The county government has more money to spend because of rising tax collections as property values continue to rise.