ST. MARYS — As part of the annual budget process, the Elk County Conservation District board of directors discussed several expenses for the 2017 fiscal year, including wages, insurance rates and the purchase of a new district vehicle.

After a brief executive session, the board approved a motion to offer a three percent cost of living increase for all district employees.

Chairman Russ Braun said the district usually follows the increases offered by the county but added the county is currently going through labor negotiations, so the district is unsure what kind of cost of living increase the county will be offering.

While employee wages will be going up by three percent, insurance rates for the district will be going up significantly more.

In 2017, the district’s insurance premium is expected to increase by 16 percent. In 2016, the district paid $1,785 per month for insurance premiums; in 2017, the district’s expenses will increase to $2,076.

Despite the large increase, the district’s insurance expenses will still be approximately $9,000 less than it paid for insurance in 2015.

Along with these expenses, the district has included $25,000 in its budget for the purchase of a district vehicle.

District Manager Steve Putt said on Monday that he has received several quotes for vehicles ranging between $23,000 and $27,000.

Putt added that he wants to wait until he has a few more bids before making a recommendation to the board.