Schley County adopts budget amendment to cover state-mandated magistrate pay increases

On Feb. 10 the Schley County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt a FY2026 budget amendment presented by County Manager Douglas Jamieson to accommodate state-mandated pay increases for the county’s chief magistrate and the sheriff and to cover unforeseen expenses.

The amendment was presented during the meeting by County Manager Douglas Jamieson and passed after a motion from Commissioner Harrison, seconded by Commissioner Jones. The board recorded unanimous support for the resolution.

The commissioners used the budget discussion to revisit the county’s magistrate staffing structure. Chairman Clark apologized to Chief Magistrate Judge Kevin DeVane for how the issue was handled at a prior meeting, and commissioners questioned whether Schley County needs two magistrates, how duties differ between a chief magistrate and a part-time magistrate, and whether combining Probate and Magistrate functions would save money. Part-time Magistrate Judge Beamon indicated willingness to consider a salary reduction to help address projected shortfalls in the FY2027 budget.

No specific dollar amounts tied solely to the magistrates’ pay increase were provided in the meeting record; the amendment was presented as a package to cover the mandated pay adjustments and other unforeseen costs. The board did not adopt any structural change to magistrate staffing at the meeting; commissioners said they are exploring options to maximize taxpayers’ dollars ahead of next year’s budget.

The budget amendment takes effect for FY2026 as adopted; commissioners indicated further discussion of staffing and structural options will continue as the county prepares the FY2027 budget.