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Walton County adopts $5.1 million pay package after Condrey study to boost recruitment and retention
Summary
Walton County commissioners approved a pay adjustment package recommended by Condrey & Associates that county leaders say will cost about $5.103 million and take effect in the next pay periods; commissioners said the change aims to make pay competitive with neighboring jurisdictions and to address shortages in the sheriff’s office and 9‑1‑1.
Walton County commissioners voted to adopt a countywide pay adjustment based on a Condrey & Associates compensation study, approving a package county staff described as costing $5,103,000 and aimed at improving recruitment and retention in understaffed operations including the jail and E‑911.
County Manager John (county manager) told the board the study recommended adjustments to bring Walton County salaries more in line with surrounding jurisdictions and that the changes were timed to address urgent shortages in the sheriff’s department and the county’s 9‑1‑1 center. He said the county has 1,046 authorized positions and 139 vacancies countywide, with about 60 of those vacancies in the sheriff’s department and six in E‑911.
The commissioners said the county will cover the increase in the short term using available reserve balances and expected new growth revenue. “We built up our general fund reserves … we will have $6,700,000 in new growth money, which would offset this raise,” one commissioner said during discussion. Commissioners also said they would not pursue a millage increase to pay for the raise when preparing the next budget.
The board approved the package by voice vote; the clerk announced the motion “passes unanimous.” County staff provided two start points in the meeting record: commissioners said the pay adjustments would be reflected on the first March 12 paycheck, and staff also noted that some changes could begin in the next pay period (February 24) for eligible employees, depending on departmental processing. The board directed staff to implement the change and to present necessary budget tracking and long‑term funding plans during upcoming budget work.
Supporters of the action noted it is the largest single pay adjustment the county has approved in recent years and that it mixes market adjustments and targeted increases for hard‑to‑fill roles. Commissioners also described a plan to realign E‑911 under the sheriff’s office to help recruitment and retention for dispatch positions.
Votes: The board approved the pay package by voice vote; meeting minutes indicate the motion passed unanimously.
Budget and next steps: County staff said the increase (including benefits) will be tracked through the county’s budget process; staff cited reserve balances and expected new growth revenue as sources to cover the one‑time and ongoing cost. County leaders asked staff to avoid a millage increase when budgeting the recurring cost.
Ending: County staff will return with implementation details, budget adjustments, and a timeline for when individual employees will see the changes in their paychecks.
