Beaufort County Council voted Monday, April 18, to amend the fiscal year 2021-22 County budget to give employees a 5% raise for cost-of-living adjustment, COVID bonus pay, purchase new ambulances, and over $3 million in other projects.

“Beaufort County practices effective resource management and solid fiscal responsibility," said Dale Butts, Assistant County Administrator-Finance. “We identified an estimated $9 million surplus for 2022 and have a $68 million reserve to handle natural disasters.”

The surplus was identified after a larger than expected population growth, leading to the increased collected property and personal property tax.

The amendment to the budget ordinance passed after three readings and public comment. It allows the County Administrator to allocate:

• $895,000 to provide a 5% pay increase starting with the May 6 paycheck to nearly 1,500 employees within EMS, the Sheriff's Office, Detention Officers, and County staff to offset the increase in the cost of living. Firefighters will also be included if adopted by the various fire districts.
• $1,750,000 to add with ARPA Funding of $2,537,446 totaling $4,287,446 for a one-time COVID premium pay to nearly 1,500 employees within EMS, the Sheriff's Office, Firefighters, Detention Officers, County staff. Employees are awarded $150 per month worked between April 2020 and January 2022 and can not exceed $3,000.
• $1,750,000 for ambulances, Quick Response Vehicles, and needed equipment.
• $1,000,000 for the Detention Center deferred maintenance.
• $1,000,000 for emergency repairs to the Bluffton Pool.
• $900,000 funding for the Arthur Horne Building Construction.