The Cole County Commission on Monday approved a $70 million budget for 2012, which includes pay increases of 1 to 3 percent for full-time employees.
The budget includes a 1 percent cost of living increase for all employees.
Also, department heads or officeholders can give up to a 2 percent merit increase for employees who have been on the job longer than six months, based on whether the supervisor believes the employee deserves an increase based on job performance.
The commission also decided to continue funding the 4 percent contribution for the county retirement program and fund the full cost of employee health insurance, plus pay the cost increase for dependents on the county's health insurance.
In a letter to county department heads, commissioners said financial growth will be modest, at best, in 2012 with no increase in sales tax revenue and special revenue funds expected.
The letter also states the general revenue fund, which relies on sources of revenue other than sales taxes, will be more stable.