Pay hikes omitted from budget were approved by commissioners Monday

Pay raises for two Grady County department heads that were allegedly omitted from the 2018 operating budget by former administrator Carlos Tobar have been granted and were unanimously approved Monday following a closed door meeting of the Grady County Commission to discuss personnel.
Grady County Commissioner Keith Moye requested the closed session to discuss personnel following a closed session held to discuss pending litigation Monday morning. (See related story in this issue)
According to Moye, pay raises for Grady County Road Superintendent Stanley Elkins and Shop Superintendent Chris Dix had been discussed during budget preparations last year, but Tobar did not include the raises in the 2018 spending plan.
The board decided Monday to pay the additional money out of the 2018 contingency fund.
Road Superintendent Elkins’ salary is increasing from $50,139 to $65,000 and Shop Superintendent Dix’s salary jumps from $50,367 to $55,000.
The motion to approve the salary increases was made by Moye and seconded by Vice Chairman T.D. David and approved with the support of Chairman Ray Prince and Commissioner June Knight. Commissioner LaFaye Copeland was not present for the special called meeting Monday morning.
According to Grady County Clerk Carrie Croy, the pay increases went into effect Jan. 17, 2018.