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Commission approves revised court-marshal rank structure, adds deputy-chief slot; raises to take effect mid-January
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to adopt a revised court-marshal rank structure, including reinstating a deputy-chief position and adjusting grades for transportation marshals; county administrators said the change addresses duties already being performed and costs about $143,626 annually.
Berkeley County commissioners voted to approve a revised rank-and-pay structure for the county’s court marshals during the Jan. 14 meeting, adding a vacant deputy-chief position and upgrading several existing positions to align pay with duties.
Deputy County Administrator Chad Weinbrenner and Chief Marshal (present) explained the change as a response to increased judicial staffing and building-security needs. Weinbrenner said the county’s court-marshal operation now covers multiple buildings and that the pending reuse of the old jail and future courtroom space will require expanded security and administrative oversight.
Under the adopted plan, the county will (1) restore the Deputy Chief position (to be filled pending approval), (2) reclassify the current lieutenant position into an assistant-chief title to reflect the administrative duties already performed, and (3) create a formal transportation-marshal grade to recognize specialized transport duties. The county estimated the total annual cost at $143,626; Weinbrenner said approximately $98,238 of that is for the deputy-chief slot.
Commissioners discussed timing and pay equity. Weinbrenner and Chief Marshal urged the commission to regularize pay so employees performing higher-level duties receive compensation consistent with similar county roles. Commissioners noted the judicial calendar and added courtroom space mean the marshal staff must add shifts and security coverage.
A motion to adopt the revised structure, with changes effective Jan. 16, was moved and seconded; commissioners voted unanimously in favor by voice vote. No roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes.
Why it matters: The action recognizes expanded responsibilities and aims to put the marshal office on a pay scale comparable to other county public-safety and administrative positions; it also prepares the sheriff’s/courts’ security staffing for additional courtroom space.
Next steps: County administrators will post and recruit the deputy-chief position and implement the pay changes effective Jan. 16 per the motion.
