CAIRO — Grady County is gearing up for a possible millage rate increase.

The Grady County Board of Commissioners discussed the potential increase at length Thursday afternoon.

Grady County Administrator Carlos Tobar explored a projected millage rate of 14.25. The projected increase is a “shade under 0.6 mill increase,” from the current rate of 13.653, he noted.

“Y’all already know I hacked a bunch of departments’ budgets,” Tobar added.

The commissioners discussed Sheriff Harry Young’s request for two additional deputies.

Commissioner T.D. David, who phoned in for the meeting, said the board’s job was not to critique the Grady Sheriff’s Office efficiencies and inefficiencies but to ensure Young and the county’s law enforcement could protect the county.

“I’m willing to give it a try,” David said, recommending the additional deputies.

Tobar noted at a previous budget workshop each additional deputy would have to be allocated a vehicle — an estimated $41,000 expenditure for each vehicle.

Commissioner LaFaye Copeland, who also phoned in, questioned if the amount of requested overtime would decrease if additional deputies were approved.

Young said he could not guarantee the over-time would decrease, but noted he tries to limit the overtime as much as possible.

“I watch everything I do at that office,” Young added.

A millage rate of 14.55 was projected if Young’s requests were approved. The estimated rate includes two additional deputies, two new vehicles, and two already-budgeted replacement vehicles.

“I don’t see see how someone can complain about taxes going up if it’s for public safety,” Commissioner Keith Moye said, adding the whole county benefits from public safety.

The board gave consensus for Tobar to rework the numbers with the included requests for the next meeting.

The Grady County Board of Commissioners will conduct a called meeting on July 18, 9 a.m. to adopt a tentative millage rate. The regular meeting is scheduled the same date at 6 p.m. for ratification and budget adoption.

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.