By AMY JONES / Associate Editor

COLUMBIANA — Shelby County Commissioner Corley Ellis said the county is remaining fiscally responsible while trying to meet the needs of its residents.

Ellis spoke to attendees at the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce luncheon Oct. 7.

“We are so blessed in so many ways in this county,” Ellis said.

Even though the county commission hasn’t given any raises or cost-of-living increases to its employees in two years, Ellis said they continue to work hard.

“Our staff and department heads have really stepped up to the plate. Our employees are second to none,” Ellis said.

He said decreasing budget numbers over the past few years have caused the county commission to take a hard look at the numbers.

“We had to make some tough calls, but we’re OK,” he said.

Ellis also noted the county’s increasing sales tax revenues.

“The last four months, we’ve had positive increase (in sales tax) over the last year,” he said.

Ellis said he’s still concerned about property tax revenues and property values, but he’s waiting to see what happens.

“When you’ve cut to the bone like we have, you start worrying about every little bit,” he said.

Ellis also encouraged county residents to visit the county’s website at Shelbycountyalabama.com to find out more about where they live.