Commissioners approve partial implementation of county pay study now, full‑year cost estimated at $560,000

Chatham County commissioners voted Feb. 19 to implement pay adjustments recommended by a one‑third pay study covering public safety departments, the elections office and select facilities maintenance positions.

Staff said the consultant study’s full‑year cost for the affected positions is about $560,000 in salaries and estimated benefits. Because the board directed implementation to begin with the payroll period that begins March 10, staff estimated the partial‑year cost through June 30 at about $190,000. County staff told the board most impacted departments could absorb the remainder of the year’s cost within current budgets because of vacancies; staff said 1 small department may need a budget amendment if unanticipated shortfalls appear.

The study covers employees in several public safety departments (including the sheriff’s office, emergency management and emergency communications), diversion and advocacy, elections and maintenance technicians in facilities. Commissioners discussed whether the county will be able to implement similar mid‑year adjustments in future years and how to ensure consistent application; staff cautioned that some years may lack vacancy savings that made this year’s mid‑year implementation feasible.

A motion to implement the study beginning with the March 10 payroll was made and seconded; the board voted in favor. Commissioners asked that staff return with details during the FY25 budget process highlighting how the adjustments will change departmental budgets and any remaining gaps.