JEROME, Idaho (KMVT])-Jerome county commissioners passed a 4% budget increase for county employee salaries at their meeting Monday.

Commissioner Charley Howell said the money will be given to each department head. In turn they will have the flexibility to distribute the money to employees as they see fit.

It could be a cost of living increase or in the case of the Sheriff’s office, the money could be distributed based on an employee’s continuing education or promotion in rank.

It’s designed to be flexible, Howell said. The funds are available to the departments effective October 1, 2015.

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