County Council approves compensation restructuring for full-time employees
November 14, 2023
Salary changes for eligible employees effective Dec. 21
Richland County Council has approved a class and compensation restructuring for regular full-time County employees. The changes were recommended by Evergreen Solutions Inc., a national, multidisciplinary, public sector management consulting firm selected by the County in 2022 to conduct a compensation study and analysis.
Evergreen recommended adjusting County employee salaries to better reflect those offered by neighboring County governments and private sector businesses. The average employee is expected to see an annual increase of $4,777. Salary changes for eligible employees will be effective Dec. 21, 2023.
“I am proud to see the implementation of salary increases for Richland County employees finally come to fruition,” said Richland County Council Chair Overture Walker. “This is a win-win for the County and a critical step in Council’s commitment to employee well-being and recognizing those individuals who work tirelessly to serve our communities each and every day.”
Prior to 2022, Richland County employees had not received a cost-of-living raise since 2019. Evergreen estimates the salary adjustments will cost the County $11.2 million annually, which had already been appropriated in the County’s FY 2024 budget.
“We know the quality of work our people provide, and this initiative reflects our investment in the staff who make Richland County great,” said Byron Gipson, Richland County solicitor. “This is a significant opportunity to nurture the fruit we have in all of our offices, retain employees and increase our ability to attract top talent.”
The implementation of salary increases aligns with the County’s strategic goal to establish competitive salaries. County Administrator Leonardo Brown added that County employees play a pivotal role in maintaining the essential services and programs that benefit all residents of Richland County.
“This is not only an effort to demonstrate employee appreciation, boost morale and job satisfaction but also an endeavor to enhance the quality and effectiveness of services provided by the County,” Brown said.
A news conference outlining additional details about the compensation study and incentives for County employees and residents will be scheduled in December. Information will be forthcoming closer to that date.
