Freestone county commissioners continued budget talks at a special called meeting this week, and have set a public hearing and vote on the tax rate for Monday morning.

Of a few minor changes made, largest was the amount awarded Fairfield Emergency Medical Service. In reducing allotments across the board, county officials had cut the county’s contribution to FEMS from $100,000 to $80,000.

After hearing Monday from FEMS representatives and concerned citizens, county officials agreed to raise the contribution back to the original $100,000.

Proposed budget for the county’s fiscal year 2010- 2011 is set at approximately $13.9 million, more than a million dollars less than last year.

Proposed tax rate is 25 cents per $100 assessed valuation, up from 20.5 cents last year.

Public hearing on the proposed budget, and vote to set the tax rate, will be held at Monday’s regular commissioners court at 9 a.m.

Also, the salary grievance committee will meet this Thursday at 6 p.m. in the county courtroom on the second floor, to hear a salary complaint.