Greenwood Springs Into Action With Salary Increase for County Council
In the cozy town of Greenwood, something quite interesting happened this week. The Greenwood County Council voted in favor of increasing their own salaries for the first time since 2005. The decision wasn’t easy – many of the members expressed that it felt a bit awkward to vote on their own pay. Yet, on Tuesday, the council unanimously decided that a raise was in order.
How Much More Are They Making?
Starting in July, the salaries of council members will jump from $8,000 to $12,000 per year. For the chairperson, the pay will increase from $11,000 to $15,000. This raise is a nod to the council’s years of dedicated service. For two decades, they have been loyal stewards of the community, focusing on ensuring county employees receive fair and competitive wages. Now, the elected officials are saying it’s time they get a fair salary too.
Who’s In Favor?
The council members, including Theo Lane, Mark Allison, Johanna Bishop, Teresa Griffin, and Dayne Pruitt, stood firmly in favor of the increases. They emphasized that money isn’t why they serve the Greenwood community but acknowledged the need for fair compensation. The outgoing Council Chairman Chuck Moates expressed his support for the pay raise, although it will not affect him. Moates will complete his final term, and Cathy Miller has been elected to fill his seat.
Differing Perspectives
While support was strong, there was also some debate. Council member Robbie Templeton had previously voiced opposition to the sudden pay hike. His stance was that it should have been smaller, incremental increases over time rather than an abrupt change. However, during this week’s vote, he decided to back the pay raise, explaining that a ‘no’ vote wouldn’t change the outcome. He stated, “Although I preferred a different approach, it’s clear that a pay increase is necessary.”
Other Key Decisions
The salary adjustment wasn’t the only matter on the table. The council has given the green light for residents to temporarily reside in recreational vehicles while their homes are getting rebuilt after suffering damages from Hurricane Helene. Planning Director Carol Coleman mentioned that permits are necessary to ensure compliance with the new ordinance.
On top of that, the council received updates on storm debris cleanup, landfill matters, and efforts towards updating the future land use map. Attention is also directed towards significant renovations at Park Plaza and the Courthouse to improve community facilities.
The next chapter for the Greenwood County Council unfolds on December 17 at the Greenwood County Library, where they are set to meet again.
Staying in Touch
The council’s decision signifies progress and adaptability, even if change sometimes comes with tough discussions. It sets a precedent for fair compensation for their commitments while managing county affairs. As these leaders continue to navigate community challenges, they remain open to feedback and ideas that help better Greenwood for everyone.
