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NATCHEZ—Adams County Administrator Stephanie Washington said she worked the numbers in every way possible. On Friday, Adams County Supervisors adopted its fiscal year 2024-2025 budget, which does not include a tax increase.

It also includes no pay increases for any county employee.

“Supervisors understand that pay raises are essential. They do help motivate employees. Yet, we are committed to fiscal responsibility,” Washington said.

On Monday afternoon, Washington said she has her job cut out for her this year.

“I have to hold department heads accountable to living within their budgets. We must cut out all unnecessary spending and have got to cut some people. When someone retires or leaves, we must do a critical review before replacing those employees going forward,” she said.

The FY 2024-25 budget is based on expectations of receiving a projected $18,931,821 in ad valorem taxes. Other federal, state, and grant resources make up the remainder of the county’s total budget of $40,094,598. Expenses in the budget equal the same.

Washington said she plans to hold in-person meetings with department heads more often to ensure the departments stay on track throughout the year.

She said the budget is very tight, and it will take the cooperation of every county employee to make it work.

“Emailing doesn’t work. I will meet with department heads and be more visible and transparent about the process,” she said.