The Cincinnati Enquirer

BATAVIA - Clermont County commissioners have approved 2004 appropriations of $49.1 million for general fund departments, $4 million less than the 2003 appropriations.

The 2004 appropriations resulted from cuts in the capital budget, as well as departmental reductions. The appropriations include 3 percent raises for Clermont County employees.

"We were able to give raises to our employees because we cut out areas in the budget that we considered excessive," said Commissioner Scott Croswell. "If there are additional monies that become available in 2004, we will review requests and make adjustments where necessary."