Prince Edward Co. Employees Will Not Receive Pay raise

By Crystal Vandegrift, Staff Writer

PRINCE EDWARD – Prince Edward County employees will not see a salary increase for the upcoming year.

Due to a revenue shortfall, a proposed two percent salary increase for employees was not approved during last week’s Prince Edward Board of Supervisors meeting.

The revenue shortfall in the amount of $37,000 comes from the State Compensation Board and the decision was made to eliminate the raises in order to balance the county’s budget without going into debt.

Before the motion was made by supervisor Bob Timmons to “not provide a salary increase” to employees, Commonwealth’s Attorney Megan Clark addressed the supervisors asking them to consider the increase. Clark said that she understood that the board needed to look out for the county but also believed that the salary increases were necessary.

The county’s social services director, Roma Morris, and Sheriff Wesley Reed also pointed out the need for a salary increase to the supervisors.

Before a final decision was made supervisors discussed several options. Supervisor Calvin Gray asked if a one percent pay raise would be feasible, while others asked about giving bonuses this year instead of raises.

Last year, Prince Edward county employees received a three percent pay raise according to County Administrator Wade Bartlett.

In the end, supervisors approved giving out bonuses not to exceed $34, 487. Part-time employees will be given $100, those making more than $70,000 will receive a $200 bonus while those earning less than $70,000 will receive a $350 bonus. Employees hired after July 1 of this year will not receive a bonus.