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Heard County commissioners reach consensus on $2-per-hour raise for county employees
Summary
At a May 21 work session the Heard County Board of Commissioners agreed informally to a $2-per-hour raise for all county employees, estimated to cost about $1 million; raises are scheduled to begin with the second paycheck in December after a payroll shift tied to T‑SPLOST.
The Heard County Board of Commissioners reached consensus May 21 to provide a $2-per-hour raise for all county employees, both full- and part-time, officials said. The board discussed timing and funding during a budget work session and did not take formal action or hold a recorded vote.
Finance Director Felicia Adams said the total cost of the raises is estimated at about $1,000,000. The raises are programmed to take effect with the second paycheck in December, after Road Department salaries are shifted to T‑SPLOST. Adams said roughly $600,000 in remaining T‑SPLOST salary-offset funds will be placed in reserve each year to prepare for the possibility that T‑SPLOST is not renewed in six years.
The board discussed options for employees who receive Social Security and noted some employees may decline the full raise to avoid reductions in benefit calculations. Commissioners also decided to continue budgeting vacant positions as if filled to ensure Fire and EMS staffing levels are maintained.
On other personnel and departmental matters, the board agreed unanimously to leave the Public Defender's budget unchanged based on current caseloads and staffing. The library budget will remain at its current level; usage data showed public computer access remains the primary service and the board found no justification for adding a position. The Magistrate Court's request for a pay increase will be addressed through the countywide adjustment.
Finance Director Adams reported the county is projected to finish the year approximately $400,000 in the red, an improvement from the prior year. Revenues are down by about $2 million, she said, and SPLOST reimbursements will offset part of the deficit. Adams added that home valuations are expected to rise modestly and that whether the county must publish a required tax-increase notice will depend on final digest numbers and pending legislation about a floating homestead exemption.
No formal votes or ordinances were adopted during the work session; the board closed the meeting with no official action taken. The board will incorporate the consensus pay increase into the coming budget process and confirm funding as final numbers are set.
