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Cherokee County DSS presents FY2026–27 budget request and approves office renovation plans
Summary
The Cherokee County Department of Social Services presented its final FY2026–27 budget priorities — including pay adjustments and facility upgrades — and the board approved renovation plans and estimates for the 1st and 3rd floors and front-office security enhancements.
The Cherokee County Department of Social Services presented its final FY2026–27 budget request to the county on March 17, 2026, emphasizing personnel adjustments and facility upgrades to support service delivery. Director Amanda T. McGee outlined requests for position reclassifications, cost-of-living adjustments and a recommendation that the county consider longevity incentive pay to reduce turnover and preserve institutional knowledge.
McGee told the board that turnover has led to reliance on contract workers, which is inefficient and undermines stability. She asked the board to advocate for compensation changes to retain experienced staff who handle complex casework.
The board also reviewed detailed renovation proposals for the department’s 1st and 3rd floors, which were presented with cost estimates. Administrative Officer Brandy Clonts provided a preliminary total estimate of $125,000 for the two-floor remodels, and a separate estimate of $40,000 for front-office bullet-resistant upgrades that would include three security windows, fiberglass wall panels and a steel door for the clerk area. A separate IT/security line-item in the estimate totaled $5,480 for cabling and electronic access components for the fileroom conversion.
Pat Ivie moved to approve the renovation plans and associated estimates; James Jallah seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The motion record in the meeting minutes states that all board members present voted in favor.
The approval authorizes the department to proceed with planning and budgeting the work described in the proposals. The minutes do not specify a construction schedule or final funding source; the renovation items were included within the agency’s FY2026–27 budget submission to the county.
The board also approved routine procedural items at the start of the meeting including adoption of the agenda and approval of the February 17, 2025 minutes. The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
