DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Hoping to slow the exit of county employees leaving for higher-paying jobs in surrounding counties and reducing the high-cost of training their replacements, the Dawson County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to adopt an enhanced pay plan created by the Archer Company.

The new pay scale will take effect April 8.

Archer conducted a study that showed Dawson County had a experienced a 100 percent employee turnover in the last six years, costing taxpayers about $1.5 million. The company created a plan that compared Dawson County job classifications to Forsyth, Hall, Gwinnett, Cherokee, Gilmer, Lumpkin and Pickens counties and the cities of Gainesville, Canton and Cumming.

Several options were presented for the Board’s consideration. Commissioners chose the option that gives employees a 2 percent across-the-board pay raise, brings current employee salaries up to the minimum salary for their job classification and has an option for longevity with county.

“I’m really proud of the board for taking this step,” Thurmond said. “Our employees are our greatest asset. Over time this will save taxpayers money due to the high cost of training replacements.”

In other business, the Board unanimously approved:

• Increasing the bulk garbage rate at the transfer station to $44 per ton and a minimum of $5 per load weighed;
• Renewal of the probation services with Northeast Georgia Probation Services, Inc;
• A request to place Little Lending Libraries on County Government Property;
• A request for a budget increase for the Legacy Link Local Match and
  Board of Commissioners expenses and
• Training funds of $2,600 for new members of the Development Authority. That vote was 3-1 vote with Commissioner Julie Nix opposed.