HI HAT, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Floyd County Board of Education voted to give all Floyd County School staff a 3% percent raise in pay during Monday night’s monthly meeting.

Much of last night's 2-plus hour meeting was spent squabbling with budget issues, while various community members and school employees addressed the board during the open comment session in support for an increase in pay of 5% percent.

Although the finance department stated that the framework for the new budget only allowed a 3% percent increase in pay for staffing, board member Keith Smallwood made the motion for a 5% percent increase. The motion failed 3-2 based on the numbers given that reflected such a raise would be fiscally irresponsible.

Smallwood made a second motion for a 3% percent wage increase starting in September on the caveat there would be a hiring freeze at Central Office. That measure also failed on a 3-2 vote.

Board members unanimously agreed upon the 3% percent wage increase without stipulations and agreed to explore the opportunity of an additional raise in the fall.

Board finance reported that the cost of a 3% percent increase in pay for all staff would be an estimated $875,000 coming from the general fund. Officials also stated that although surrounding counties have given larger percentage raises, those counties assess a utility tax on citizens which provides more revenue for schools.