Residents urge Southampton County to switch to twice-monthly pay; teacher presses for school investment as deputy turnover cited

Residents pressed the Southampton County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 27, 2026, to change how county employees are paid and to invest more in local schools. Orice Lane, who said she lives on Shady Brook Trail, told the board the county should move to a twice-monthly pay schedule "meaning the fifteenth and the thirtieth of each month" to help families manage rising costs. "Once a month has turned many qualified applicants away from working in this county," Lane said.

Jessica Banks, a Southampton County teacher and Franklin resident, told the board she supported a twice-monthly pay schedule for county and school employees, and urged the board to "consider constructing two new schools" and to provide local funding beyond state mandates so the school division can review and potentially increase teacher salaries. "Competitive compensation is essential for retaining experienced educators and attracting new teachers," Banks said.

Another commenter raised public-safety and staffing concerns, saying the county is losing deputies and urging the board to act on a pay study to make local pay competitive with surrounding jurisdictions. "I'm losing deputies... For I've lost 2 last week," the speaker said, arguing pay was the primary reason for turnover.

The board did not take immediate action on those requests during the meeting; public comments were recorded for the board's consideration as staff and supervisors continue work on the FY 2027 budget and an internal pay study noted in the county administrator's report.