By LARRY HILLIARD

Ledger Staff Writer

Gaffney Board of Public Works commissioners approved a $31.4 million spending plan Tuesday that holds the line on rates and gives their employees something extra in their wallets.

The budget is about $2 million less than the current fiscal year spending plan because of an expected decline in revenues and expenditures.

General Manager Donnie Hardin said the utility was able to balance its budget by postponing some capital projects and taking about $1.5 million from its cash reserves.

Hardin, who described the budget as “bare bones,” said the utility will still have about $9 million in cash reserves.

The budget also contains a proposed 3 percent across-the-board raise for employees. Another 2 percent in mid-year merit raise revenue is also part of the budget, said Hardin, who is ineligible to receive a merit raise.

Commissioners got their first glimpse of the spending plan at their budget and long-range planning workshop in Asheville over the weekend.

Commissioner Brenda Earls cast the lone dissenting vote.

The BPW’s new fiscal year begins April 1.