“This has been one of the most difficult years I can remember for creating a budget.”

Those comments by interim Fayette County Administrator Jack Krakeel express the sentiments of many of the county’s government leaders during this budget cycle.

This year’s general fund budget is $48.1 million, and Krakeel said the county would maintain the same millage rate when hearings occur in August.

The total $79.5 million budget also includes $14 million in special revenue funds, $13.3 million for the water system, $1.6 million in capital projects and $1.3 million in vehicle replacement funds.

“This budget does not add any new positions and keeps any open positions frozen,” said Krakeel.

Additionally, the budget does not include a cost of living increase because of the recently completed salary study and income adjustment for the county’s 700 employees.

“Our employees are now being paid market value,” he added.

In December, Mark Knowles, who helped conduct the study, said the county could end up spending $3.9 million in salary raises if it wanted to be slightly ahead of the market. The county is phasing in the results of the study over three years, with the bulk occurring this year. Krakeel added that $300,000 would occur in the 2010 budget year.

Krakeel also pointed out the county currently has nearly 20 vacancies, and if those positions are filled, it would cost the county an additional $1.1 million.

The county will hold a public hearing on the budget tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at the Fayette County Administrative Complex.