Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger is seen in this file photo.MAGISTRATESHamilton County Commissioners voted to extend the contracts of two judicial commissioners, Sharetta Smith and Randall Russell, by six months. Judicial commissioners, often called magistrates, set bonds and issue warrants in the jail. Commissioners decided to extend two of the four annual contracts to restore staggered terms.
Hamilton County commissioners are now reviewing a $642.3 million budget proposal that includes a 3 percent pay raise for employees and no property tax increase.
But County Mayor Jim Coppinger’s budget does include a 45 percent hike in fees for anyone who uses the county’s ambulance service.
Coppinger presented the 2013 fiscal budget to commissioners Thursday. They have two weeks to analyze it before a scheduled vote on June 28.
The 2013 fiscal year begins July 1.