NEWPORT-Members of the Cocke County Legislative Body, in an 8-5 vote, approved a resolution establishing a new pay formula Monday evening that will result in about $150 per month increase for CLB members.

Finance Committee Chairman Phil Killion presented the matter for consideration. The matter was initially brought before the Finance Committee by Michael McCarter and passed on a 3-1 vote. The new formula sets pay for the CLB members at 1 percent of the county's population according to the latest census, which would result in the $150 increase per month. Reportedly, the county has enough funds to cover the extra expense.

On Monday, Killion suggested the matter was only being brought forth to be considered and then sent back to a committee. New CLB Chairman Norman Smith, however, pointed out that the enclosed resolution was for establishing a new pay formula.

For more details, please see the latest edition of the Newport Plain Talk.