Commissioners approve 7% temporary pay increase for four Raleigh County health‑department employees

The Raleigh County Commission on July 16 approved a 7% temporary pay adjustment retroactive to May 11 for four employees who have taken on interim leadership roles at the county health department.

Elizabeth Ward, the county’s human resources director, told commissioners the county policy manual establishes a minimum 7% increase for employees who take additional supervisory responsibility but that HR recommended 10% in this case because multiple staff are covering expanded duties. "We are recommending 10% in this situation," Ward said during her presentation, and she provided two cost estimates: a retroactive impact of $8,686.55 for the four employees and a maximum projected cost to year‑end of $30,357.95 if the interim arrangements lasted through December.

The commission focused discussion on two points: whether to make an exception to the policy minimum and whether the increase should be retroactive. The chair said the board was wary of setting a precedent for exceptions, noting, "I just want to make sure that we're not stepping out of the scope of policy," and asked staff to consider clarifying language for future circumstances.

David Adams, identified in the record as the interim health‑department director, described the workload facing interim supervisors: they are "learning grants," handling progress reporting, and continuing regular client services while taking on supervisory duties. Adams said staff had been receiving emails in the early morning hours and that some employees were considering not applying for the permanent director role because of the workload. "They're drinking from a fire hose," Adams said.

Commissioners asked whether the dollar figures Ward presented included employment taxes and benefits; Ward answered that the numbers shown covered pay only and that employer benefit costs (FICA/Social Security and similar employer burdens) would add roughly 7–8% in additional cost if included in the calculation. Ward also said the county’s budget can absorb the approved 7% increase and that the county would not need additional appropriations for the change.

After debate, a motion to approve a 7% temporary compensation adjustment retroactive to May 11 for the four named interim staff carried on a voice vote. The board asked HR and finance staff to refine the policy language around effective dates and retroactivity and to return with clearer phrasing that would limit future litigation risk and provide predictable application.

What happens next: Staff will implement the retroactive pay adjustments and prepare revised policy language for the board to consider in a subsequent meeting. The health department will continue its reorganization work and pursue hiring a permanent director.