County budgets pay increase for first responders

At their June 5 regular meeting, Darlington County Council gave final approval to $35.6 million in budgets for the 2017/18 fiscal year, and voted to include a pay increase for deputies and paramedics.

The pay bumps will bring rates for 35 Darlington County Sheriff’s Office deputies up to $14.10 an hour, and will increase pay for 15 paramedics with Emergency Services to $14.35 an hour. These increases also factor in a 2.5 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) for all county employees.

After the meeting, Sheriff Tony Chavis issued a statement hailing the pay increases and noting that other than COLA bumps, deputies have not received a raise since 2009.

“When I took office, I made Deputies a priority, again. They risk their lives day in and day out protecting the people of Darlington County; Deputies receiving a living wage was past due,” stated Sheriff Chavis. “Because I am making them a priority, I have not taken a raise. I worked hard with the County Administrator to make this happen and I am thankful for County Council’s approval.”

Final budgets included a General Fund budget of $21.3 million (including $5.4 million for the Sheriff’s Office and $3.7 million for the Corrections Center), $3.9 million for Emergency Services, $3.2 for Environmental Services, $1.9 million for the Fire District, $1.3 million for the Library Fund, and $1.6 million for Road Maintenance.

County administrator Charles Stewart said the county had budgeted for a mandatory state retirement contribution increase of 2 percent this year and an additional 1 percent each year for the next five years, but the state recently decreased this year’s local government contribution requirement to 1 percent. This should increase the county’s retirement contribution by about $135,000 across all funds instead of the originally projected estimate of $270,000.

Stewart pointed out that there is no commitment from the state to cover part of the retirement increase burden beyond this budget year.

Council gave final approval to a new Emergency Services Fee (Ordinance 17-04) which will increase vehicle fees from $30 to $45 and bump property fees from $60 to $80. At Council’s April 4 work session, county administrator Charles Stewart explained that this fee increase would keep the county from again raiding the general fund to cover budget shortfalls.

In other matters, Council approved acceptance of $383,703 in County Transportation Commission funds to pave Underground Branch Road and resurface Belle-Aire Street.
Council approved two purchases for Environmental Services: $120,965 for a Peterbilt tractor and $62,785 for a steel ejector transfer trailer to be used at the county landfill.

By unanimous vote, Council approved Resolution 677 and designated October 15, 2017 as an annual day of remembrance honoring World War II hero William G. “Billy” Farrow.

Council also approved a request for $15,000 in Hospitality Tax funds from the Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce for Freedom Fest, the fireworks and music festival scheduled for July 1 at the Darlington Raceway.

After executive session, Council approved a contract of approximately $363,000 with Southern Health Partners of Hartsville to provide inmate medical services at the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center for the next year.