Bryan County Commissioners publicly thanked the Excise Board during a joint meeting on Wednesday afternoon.

Monty Montgomery expressed recognition of the help the Excise Board gives in making the county’s budget each year.

During the meeting, the County Commissioners presented the budget for the year that had been agreed upon in Monday’s County Commissioner’s meeting to the Excise Board. The budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year was approved.

One change was made to the budget plan that had been agreed upon. While Monday’s meeting did offer a salary increase to all non-elected county employees, Wednesday’s meeting set a maximum salary for each level of employment.

To maintain equality with all county offices, Montgomery felt the salary restriction was necessary. With a two to one vote the motion carried.

The budget is set to allow for funding of both current county jails with a planned subsequent budget in approximately January 2013.

Excise Board member Charles Calhoun asked the commissioners what the need would be for the planned subsequent budget. Montgomery admitted the subsequent budget is unusual, but he said it will be necessary for this year. This is due to the convergence of the two current jails into the one new county jail paired with the change of sheriff midway through the fiscal year.

The budget also allows an account to aid the Durant Emergency Management. This account has been in the budget for the past three years. The board explained that the account goes to aid the Durant Emergency Management because the organization actually aids the entire county.

This money will help the organization travel to other parts of the county providing assistance during times of need such as natural disasters.

This year’s budget also includes an $800 charity account. This account will go to provide burial services to individuals who may have no family of funds to provide a burial. The account will provide $200 for four burials.