DECATUR, Ga. -- The DeKalb County CEO's proposed $583 million budget is coming under fire, after commissioners learned that it includes an increase for the CEO's office.

CEO Burrell Ellis has asked county departments to slash $50 million. His budget calls for 760 positions to be cut. Some are jobs that will be left vacant. Others will be eliminated through early retirement.

The proposed spending plan also calls for a $30.4 million tax increase. It would cost the average homeowner $84 per year.

Despite the cuts and higher taxes, Ellis is asking for an additional $320,354 for his office. That is nearly a 14 percent increase.

"There isn’t a whole lot to like in this budget," said Commissioner Kathie Gannon, who questioned the CEO's request. "He’s going to see a cut in his budget and we’re going to see a cut in ours as well."

During a news conference Tuesday afternoon, the CEO defended his budget request.

"What I can justify is that I was elected to be a hands on executive,” said Ellis. “We’ve taken on constituent services. We’ve taken on development functions. I propose the office of transparency and accountability which will have to be managed.”

Ellis' office was not able to provide specific numbers on how the additional money would be spent in the CEO's office.

“We need to go across the board and see where we can save money," said Commissioner Jeff Rader, who does not support the increase in the CEO's office. "Clearly, the administrative overhead is a good target for us."

The DeKalb County Commission plans to approve a final budget Feb. 23.