Press release:

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett is asking the Knox County Commission to approve a 3 percent pay raise for budgeted county employees. Mayor Burchett will not be receiving a pay increase.

Mayor Burchett announced the planned pay raise in a letter emailed to employees this morning.

"We have worked hard to increase efficiencies and reduce the footprint of county government, and our efforts are paying off," Mayor Burchett wrote in his letter to employees. "That is why I will be able to go before the Knox County Commission during their October meeting to ask for a 3 percent pay increase for all budgeted county employees, effective Jan. 1, 2012."

Savings achieved through increased efficiency and cost reductions, combined with a modest uptick in revenues, will make the raises possible, and will move Knox County closer to its goal of offering market pay and market benefits to employees.

"It is important for the economic future of Knox County that we continue to work hard to avoid using one-time money for long-term expenses, and thanks to Commission’s support of this year’s budget we were able to do that,” Mayor Burchett said.

"Like me, many Commissioners wanted to give pay raises to our employees, and now we can."

Commission Chairman Mike Hammond and Vice Chairman Brad Anders have both agreed to sponsor the budget amendment approving the pay increase.

"Over the past few years, we have consistently asked our employees to do more work and to pay more for health benefits without increasing their salaries," Chairman Hammond said. "I think it's time we thank them for the work they’ve been doing by giving them a reasonable pay increase. Mayor Burchett and his staff have come up with a financially sound proposal that I am proud to support."

"I am very pleased the mayor and his staff have found savings to reward Knox County employees for their hard work," Vice Chairman Anders said. "We spoke of this being a possibility during the budget process, and I am glad it will come before us next month for debate."

A 3 percent pay raise amounts to approximately $3 million in the annual budget, and will require Commission’s approval of a budget amendment in order for the pay raise to take effect by Jan. 1. The budget amendment will appear on the October Commission agenda.