NORTH HAVERHILL — Grafton County officials say rising salaries and health insurance costs are driving a proposed $2.4 million budget increase for the coming year.

The three-member Grafton County Commission is seeking a $46.6 million budget for 2020, a roughly 5.4% increase over the current spending plan.

Officials predict that would result in a $1.6 million, or nearly 6.5%, increase in property tax revenue. Because county taxes traditionally are the smallest portion of New Hampshire property taxes, residents’ overall taxes would not increase by that percentage because of the county budget.

“It has not been an easy budget season,” said Commission Chairwoman Linda Lauer, D-Bath. “I think that this budget raises taxes more than we would like and it shortchanges county operations more than we would like. But we think we found the best balance.”

Raises to salaries and benefits account for more than 72% of the proposed increase, according to the proposed budget.

Each of the county’s roughly 450 employees are eligible for raises under a step and grade system, similar to how many public school teachers are paid. In addition to those, the county commissioners are proposing a 2.5% cost of living adjustment for non-unionized workers.

Health insurance rates also are expected to increase 8.3%, amounting to $239,860 in new expenses.

The commissioners are proposing several new hires, including two unit managers at the nursing home, an information technology position and part-time milker for the county farm. Those together would cost $244,869, while the replacement of an outgoing human resources position could result in $32,534 in savings.

Grafton County also could see $437,020 in capital improvement projects next year. Those include paving at the county complex in North Haverhill, a new building automation system for the nursing home and administration buildings and sheriff’s cruisers and safety equipment for deputies.

Lauer said several of those projects are long overdue but the commission held off asking for more because of a concern for taxpayers.

For instance, an engineering study for the courthouse will have to wait another year, she said. That’s needed to replace its elevator, which is so old that replacement parts are difficult to find.

The county’s delegation of state lawmakers will next review the budget proposal, beginning with meetings of its Executive Committee on June 3. The group, where Democrats hold a majority of seats, traditionally has made few changes.

“We recognize that the biggest cost drivers are really difficult to have any control over,” said Rep. George Sykes, D-Lebanon, the committee’s chairman. “We want to support our employees and make sure the county is competitive in its personnel needs.”

The delegation likely will take “a hard look” at several of the proposed capital improvement projects, he said.

“The question is ‘is there any place that we can make a significant change?’ ”

Rep. Rick Ladd, R-Haverhill, said the delegation should make sure the budget will be affordable to taxpayers. He said he will be particularly focused on watching the county’s revenue streams and attempting to determine how they can be best put to use.

“My first thoughts are that I don’t have all the information that justifies increases, and I haven’t had a chance to look at all the revenues yet,” Ladd said. “My first impression was that it’s a big increase.”

The delegation is expected to take a final vote on the budget on June 24.

Tim Camerato can be reached at 603-727-3223.