Commission Will Have to Amend 2017 Budget to Implement Employee Pay Raise

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Dawson County Chief Financial Officer Vickie Neikirk told the Board of Commissioners during Thursday’s work session that implementation of the salary study approved earlier this month would require an increase in the 2017 budget of $374,441.

The salary study calls for a 2% cost of living allowance (COLA) for all employees, placement into range with a moderate progression and a payroll effective date of April 8, 2017.

Fleet Services Director Shannon Harben recommended the Board amend the current Take Home and Vehicle Policy to eliminate future verbal agreements or special conditions. Those verbal agreements currently in effect would still be honored.

Harben also requested Board approval to dispose of surplus items to be sold with the proceeds to be put in a vehicle replacement fund per current policy.
Public Works Director David McKee presented commissioners with a request to issue a purchase order to Bobcat of Atlanta for a Bobcat Excevator in the amount of $64,876.48 through a cooperative agreement with National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA).

Emergency Services Chief Lanier Swafford asked the Board to approve a contract with Lux Mitigation and Planning Corp., the most responsibe, responsible bidder, in the amount if $18,000 for preparation of the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Commission Chairman Billy Thurmond read a presentation declaring April as LifeLink National Donate Life Month.

The Board is considering the appointment of the following to the Long Range Planning Committee: Gary Pichon (Chairman), Ronnie Adkins, Teri Tragresser, Jane Graves, Hugh Stowers, Jo Brewer, Tim Costley, Mandy Power and Dick Scharf.

Work sessions are held every two weeks for the purpose of allowing commissioners to discuss and debate issues that can be voted on during the regular sessions which are also held every two weeks.