The Greenwood County Commission met Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, to address payroll questions, employee compensation, and several county operations items.
During old business, Commissioner Judd Everitt re- quested clarification regard - ing payroll figures published in the newspaper the previous week. Clerk Deann Mc-Caffree explained that two different formulas were used depending on how department heads calculated the figures and noted that year- end calculations completed at the last minute limited the opportunity for revisions.
Discussion followed on developing a standardized county pay scale. Department heads are working collaboratively on a tiered system that would account for training and certifications as merit-based increases, reducing the need for annual commission approval of merit raises. Officials emphasized the importance of regular employee evaluations as part of the process. Department heads were scheduled to meet on Monday afternoon of this week to continue work on the proposed scale.
Emergency Manager Levi Vinson presented a spreadsheet analyzing the impact of a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Vinson noted market wages should be evaluated every three to four years and explained that a 3% COLA implemented immediately would increase the county budget by approximately $349,000. If applied annually for 10 years, the increase would total more than $1.4 million by year 10. Commissioners agreed to revisit the pay discussion after the pay scale is finalized.
The commission entered several executive sessions for personnel and legal matters but took no action afterward.
Approval was given to Fire Chief Glen Collinge to move forward with motor repairs on a Severy division truck.
A moment of silence was observed at 10 a.m. in honor of Sheriff Matt Samuels, who was killed in the line of duty 21 years ago.
Commissioners approved the Jan. 12 meeting minutes; special payables totaling $5,303.91; regular payables of $429,278.09; and payroll totaling $163,491.15. The Road and Bridge worksheet and treasurer’s report were also reviewed.
Maintenance Director Greg Rawlings presented a courthouse weather delay and cancellation policy, which was approved. The policy designates the commission chair and vice chair to make closure decisions and outlines a call-tree no- tification system. Discussion followed regarding essential versus non-essential personnel, with commissioners ultimately approving a motion to pay employees when the courthouse is closed or delayed due to weather. The motion passed 3–1, with Chair Preston Evenson voting no and Commissioner Mac Obourn abstaining.
Rawlings also presented a bid for a new wired microphone system for the commission meeting room, estimated just under $1,200. Commissioners asked him to explore alternative options, including a Shure system.
Clerk McCaffree requested that the commissioners enforce meeting procedures requiring materials to be submitted in advance so they can be included in weekly packets or emailed before meetings.
The next Greenwood County Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 26, at 9 a.m.
