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Darlington council approves raises for lineman, staff and increases council pay
Summary
The Darlington Town Council unanimously approved multiple pay changes on Aug. 13, 2024: a 23% raise for Supervisor Linemen Brian Mullen, a $78,427.88 base for certified electrical hires, a 4% increase for other employees (per the minutes), and a $7,000 annual council salary.
The Darlington Town Council on Aug. 13 unanimously approved a series of pay adjustments affecting town employees and elected officials.
The council voted 5-0 to increase Supervisor Linemen Brian Mullen’s pay by 23%, effective Jan. 1, 2025, after Jeremy Weliever moved the measure and President Nicole Parker seconded. "Had the raises happened in small increments in the past years, Mr. Mullen would not be so far behind others who have his education," Weliever said, explaining the rationale for the larger, single increase.
The council also approved a motion, moved by Weliever and seconded by Marilyn Cohee, to set the base pay for a new hire in the electrical department with completed certifications at $78,427.88; that motion passed 5-0. The minutes record that police department raises had already been approved before the meeting, with Marshal Crull receiving a 19% raise and Deputies Curtis and Riddell receiving 11% raises.
Separately, the council approved a 4% increase for all other employees, both full- and part-time, on a motion by Weliever seconded by Cohee; the motion passed 5-0. The minutes state that the 4% increase is to start Jan. 1, 2024 (as written in the minutes); the council did not clarify in the meeting whether that date was a typographical error or intended to be Jan. 1, 2025.
President Nicole Parker moved, with Vice President Teresa Sutherlin seconding, to raise the council salary to $7,000 beginning Jan. 1, 2025; the motion carried 5-0. Council members said the raises and pay-scale adjustments were intended to keep wages competitive and to address retention and recruitment.
The council recorded unanimous votes for all motions related to compensation. The council also noted it will continue discussions on new-hire structuring and annual raises in 2025.
The council’s next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 5, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at the Darlington Community Center.
