As DeWitt County moves ahead with the upcoming budget year plans, officials are also having to plan for the mandates coming in regards to the minimum wage increase in Illinois.

DeWitt County Administrator DeeDee Rentmeister says they are working to stay ahead of the mandates and make sure they meet the $15 minimum wage by the 2025 deadline. Additionally, they are going to elevate other employees pay to maintain their current differentials.

DeWitt County Board Chair David Newberg credits Rentmeister, his Board and county officials for their hard work to help them get out ahead of these mandates, stay there and maintain the tax rates and services they provide.

The upcoming budget will go on file in late October to be passed in late November and will have to be approved by December 1 for the new fiscal year.