After months of reviewing the market study and proposed pay scale for Greenwood County, the Greenwood County Commissioners approved several resolutions and will officially implement the pay scale effective Aug. 31.
The majority of the Aug. 31 meeting focused on the pay scale, with commissioners ultimately approving the pay scale policies through resolutions: 2026-07, official position classification list; 2026-08, hourly and salary pay scales; 2026-09, establishing compensation rules, current salaries and compensation caps for elected officials; 202610, adopting the elected officials pay scale for newly elected officials; 2026-11, employee compensation placement policy; and 202612 – annual stipend compensation for the county election officer.
A lengthy discussion was held regarding 202609 and 2026-10 regarding elected official salaries, with the focus being primarily on the pay for county commissioners. Currently, the five county commissioners each make $17,684.30 annually, with the market study noting they should be an additional $4,451 each year. Emergency Manager Levi Vinson said, “I would say you need to be moved up to market value; that is what we are doing for everyone else.” The justification for the commission being below the market value was that in past years, the commission had elected to exclude themselves from the Cost Of Living Adjustments (COLA)/merit raises, which resulted in them being below the market value. Commissioner Mac Obourn believed they should follow the pay scale. Commissioner Roy Ballard noted that the position was more of a service to the county, rather than a paid position. Commissioner Ron Mast stated, “We just raised everyone’s taxes by 2 mils, and give ourselves a raise, I don’t think so.” The policy was ultimately approved noting that commissioners will not move up to market value, but will be eligible for the 1% annual increase and a 2% increase upon reelection. Commissioner Obourn abstained from voting on 2026-10 and didn’t sign the resolution. Direction was also given for the county to conduct market studies early in election years (even years), to ensure all positions continue to align/remain close to market value.
Now that the pay scale and policy have been approved, the resolutions will now be incorporated into the personnel policy. The county will also review the tiered job descriptions before the end of the year. It was suggested that a committee of past employees who served in elected positions and a commissioner serve in this capacity.
Additional details, as well as the approved resolutions, will be included in next week’s edition of The Eureka Herald.
Regarding the personnel policy, the commission discussed comp time or floating time off instead of the county paying overtime. The commission voted 5-0 to discontinue comp time and will pay overtime as needed, moving forward. Commission Chair Preston Evenson noted that the commission plans to continue working on the personnel policy a little bit at a time.
Noxious Weed Director Debi Selfridge presented a weekly report.
Treasurer Stacie Pearse returned to the commission to get approval on outsourcing statements. It was again noted that the county would save approximately $4,600 on the mass mailings. The county offices would still be in charge of gathering the data and sending to the company but would outsource the printing and mailing of the documents. The commission approved to outsource the mass-mailing for the Appraiser’s, Clerk’s and Treasurer’s Office, 3-2, with Commissioners Judd Everitt and Mast voting no.
County resident Jerry Cook expressed concerns about outsourcing documents, noting recent incorrect documentation he received. It was later noted that Cook had received Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) statements that included a smaller description than the value notices, which are mailed in March. Per state statute, county clerks are required to calculate and send out RNR notices.
Under the clerk’s agenda, Clerk Deann McCaffree noted that the County Attorney’s office received a gift certificate along with a payment; however, they are unable to accept the certificate as it could be considered as a bribe. Counselor Paul Dean noted the certificate should be shredded.
McCaffree also presented documentation regarding the annual Governor’s Christmas Tree, noting that Attorney Jill Gillett has volunteered to create an ornament, representing Greenwood County, and take it to Topeka.
An invoice from SCKEDD was received for the annual member, which will be included in next week’s payables.
The county held two executive sessions, both for five minutes. The first was with County Counselor Dean, Clerk McCaffree and Treasurer Pearse for legal matters pertaining to personnel. The second was with County Counselor Dean for legal matters regarding a federal court case that was recently filed. No action was taken after returning to either session.
The treasurer’s report and a printed road and bridge report were reviewed.
While reviewing the road and bridge report, the commission discussed H Road, where crews recently removed a bridge. Constituents have called commissioners to note that vehicles need 4-wheel drive to be able to drive up the steep incline. It was noted that work isn’t complete yet and a bid to replace the bridge is being sought.
The commission approved the Aug. 24 meeting minutes, along with the presentation of claims, including: special payables totaling $ 1,604.86; regular payables, totaling $194,555.56; and payroll totaling $160,326.93.
Due to the Labor Day holiday, the Greenwood County offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7. The next Greenwood County Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 9 a.m.
