In a penny-pinching mood, the Moore County Board of Commissioners strongly hinted at a Thursday night work session that county employees can expect few increases in benefits this year.

The board first heard a report on employee benefits as presented by Human Resources Director Denise Brooks, who covered such issues as health insurance, 401(k) participation, longevity pay and performance evaluations. She reported a series of recommendations from a special committee, including one cost-saving concept that would offer early retirement incentives.

The commissioners took no action on the proposals but did directly address the large number of employees present for the special 5 p.m. meeting. More than 40 members of the sheriff’s off-duty staff were in the audience.

Chairman Tim Lea described a series of actions being taken by private companies to save money on personnel, such as contracting work to other entities. He said that the heavy burden of employee benefits is behind many of these cost-saving measures.

“This board is going to make hard decisions, some you’re not going to like,” Lea said. “But we’re going to do everything we can to make sure you keep your jobs.”

The meeting opened with a presentation by the Moore County Airport Authority.

The board also discussed a new purchasing policy and prospective cuts to the governing body portion of the county budget for the new fiscal year. Plans were proposed for a series of special water and sewer meetings with various municipalities.

At the recommendation of Commissioner Larry Caddell, the board decided to move its first Monday meeting in April to Tuesday to avoid a conflict with the Easter Monday tradition. The county Easter holiday will be Good Friday.

More details will appear in the print version of The Pilot.