Lexington County Council Approves Budget, Including More COVID-19 Premium Pay

Lexington County Council gave first reading approval at its April 26 meeting to an ordinance setting the annual budget at $164,094,983 for the 2022-2023 year, a 2.1 percent increase over last year.

The first reading vote approval was “by title only.” County officials said the council could make changes on second and third readings of the budget proposal recommended by County Administrator Lynn Sturkie.

So far council has not announced any plans for a millage hike, but that could come as budget considerations continue. Council members did not have any discussions on the budget proposal during the meeting, but a budget work session is planned for May 3.

According to a budget summary presented by Sturkie, $55,896,865 is allocated to law enforcement expenses. The budget includes $50,425,426, for public safety, including fire department and EMS expenses.

The proposal calls for a 2 percent cost-of–living increase for employees.

The budget also included approval for seven grant awards totaling $82,368 to the county’s library services.

The council also approved a second round of “premium pay” for county employees who worked through the COVID-19 pandemic as an authorized use of the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF).

The County has been allocated $58,028,000 from the SLFRF – a funding program from the federal government to aid state and local governments in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The SLFRF is funded under the American Rescue Plan Act.

Approximately 13% ($7.5 million) of the SLFRF funds have been authorized for premium pay for essential Lexington County employees. Essential employees include any county employee whose work involves regular in-person interactions or regular handling of items handled by others.

According to a press release from the county, “The second round of premium pay will be divided into tiers again based on a combination of an employee’s direct risk of exposure to COVID-19 and their duties. This time, the pay will be based on the number of pay periods worked between March 21, 2021, and March 20, 2022.”

Second-round premium payments will range from approximately $2,015 to $4,940, the release states.

“On behalf of the Lexington County Council, I would like to thank all of our county employees for their continued efforts to provide high-quality service to the people of Lexington County during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Council Chairman Scott Whetstone is quoted. “This second round of premium pay is meant to acknowledge those continued efforts as the effects of the pandemic were still being felt into the early months of 2022. We cannot thank our employees enough for all of their hard work and dedication during such a trying time, but thanks to the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, we are able to support them and show our gratitude through this premium pay plan.”

“I would like to thank our Council and Administration for continuing to support our employees that stood strong during the pandemic,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon is quoted. “They serve our community with passion and dedication, and this payment will go a long way to show them how much they are appreciated.”