Schools, Counties Approve Budgets Amid Rising Costs

Huntsville financial officials said the district benchmarks its teacher salary schedule against neighboring districts to remain competitive, while rising construction costs are shaping plans for new schools and major renovations over the next decade. The fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

Lawrence’s budget provides city employees with a 2.5% general raise and a 5% performance-based step increase for some workers. It also reduces the city’s contribution to employee health care, adds 12 fire-medical positions and includes a 0.4-mill increase approved by the Lawrence Public Library board.

Bexar County’s budget reflects a roughly $200 million reduction from the prior year because the county no longer has federal American Rescue Plan Act funding. County employees criticized the plan at Commissioners Court, including its lack of employee raises alongside salary increases for elected officials.

Birmingham’s budget includes two locally funded personal-leave days, a $3,500 allowance for special-education teachers and sign-on bonuses for critical positions, in addition to summer and after-school programs and security-camera funding.