Dear Editor,

Dear Shelby County Commission, in the coming weeks Shelby County employees will learn the fate of your decision regarding our raises yet again.

I am one such employee who has weathered the economy for the past four years and did my part in sacrificing for the greater good of the county’s budget.

During this time, I have witnessed many parks, facilities and pet projects pop up as the county saw fit. As an employee, I have bitten my tongue, knowing one day the county would recognize our hard work and sacrifice and extend a hand.

Cut after cut to our department has left it hard to even acquire tools needed to carry out our job.

Insurance continues to creep up every year while raises remain frozen; in turn, our pay continues to be cut, even with the increases. I work for a six-man water crew with over 7,000 customers.

We work hard to ensure they have service and quality of water. We leave our beds in the middle of the night to work on leaks to ensure your citizens have water when they wake from their peaceful sleeps.

We work in every weather condition, with second-rate tools, and a shortage of materials to insure the county water system keeps its good name.

I ask you to take this in consideration when your duty is to represent not only the public but the employees of the county as well. Morale is at an all time low. Talk is cheap; we need action.

Zac Smith

Chelsea