Pay raises for Gloucester’s county and school employees were debated during the last two budget work sessions of the Gloucester Board of Supervisors. The board held work sessions both last Thursday night and Monday to discuss possible changes to the budget.

In the proposed budget, which is based on a 3¢ real estate tax increase, Gloucester County employees would receive a 5.6 percent pay increase while school employees would get a 5.9 percent increase. The increases are, in part, a response to the county’s difficulties in hiring and retaining employees.

Not funded in the budget is an additional Animal Control officer. The current Animal Control staff is constantly working overtime and have requested the addition of another officer to lighten the workload.

Supervisors are scheduled to approve the FY23 budget and the accompanying tax rates during its meeting Tuesday. That meeting will start at 7 p.m. in the colonial courthouse.

April 14

At last Thursday’s meeting in the c...