The Escambia County Commission Monday passed a $16.5 million budget.

The “relatively flat” budget did not include a cost of living adjustment for the county’s employees; however, it did absorb a 4 percent– or $46,000 – increase in health insurance premium costs.

“We were sad we couldn’t give our employees a raise,” Chairman Raymond Wiggins said. “They deserve it, but with things the way they are, we couldn’t do it. We’re thankful that we didn’t have to pass on the increase in health insurance costs.”

In other business, the commission approved a self-renewal agreement with the City of Brewton to provide animal control services with no changes.

– Stephanie Nelson