The Warren County Commissioners have approved a budget for 2021 that does not include a tax increase.

“I think we’ve kicked it around enough,” Commissioner Tricia Durbin said. “I’m ready to sign on the dotted line.”

“I’m very happy (to be) able to put this budget together without a tax increase,” Commissioner Jeff Eggleston added.

He said the ability to do so is “really important in a year so challenging for everybody.”

Eggleston thanked Eric Hern, the county’s finance and human resources administrator, for his work, saying the lack of a tax increase is a reflection of the work he’s done.

At another point in the meeting, Commissioner Ben Kafferlin said that Hern would be leaving the county after 2.5 years in his position.

“Obviously we wish him well,” he said. “(We are) very sad to see him go.”

In a brief Board of Elections meeting held prior to the commissioner’s meeting, the board — comprised of the Commissioners — set pay rates for judges and inspectors of election for the 2022-2025 term which will be up for election in 2021.

Kafferlin recommended either a 1 percent or 1.5 percent increase.

Currently, judges of elections are paid $178 for their service on election day while inspectors make $118.

Elections Director Lisa Rivett said there is an additional $25 that those positions receive for participating in required training.

The board ultimately agreed with a one percent increase. By the end of the term, judges will see a raise to $182.10 and inspectors to $120.71.