Raises!
Guilford County commissioners handed down raises for several high-ranking employees Thursday night. Because of the late hour, I wasn't able to get updated salary information, but I've got it now.
You may remember that some of these folks received raises last year (those increases were later halved). The county deemed those raises "market adjustments," which are intended to keep salaries in line with what those in similar positions earn elsewhere.
The increases handed out Thursday (Willie Best's raise was granted at an earlier meeting) were more in line with the board's usual practice on raises. This year, the board made a committee composed of staff and commissioners part of its evaluation process.
Name and Title Percent increase Current salary New salary
BJ Barnes, Sheriff - 5 percent - $116,551 - $123,429 *
Jenks Crayton, Tax Director - 2 percent - $103,596 - $109,340**
Brenda Jones Fox - Finance Director - 5 percent - $120,510 - $130,316**
George Gilbert, Elections Director - 5 percent - $79,828 - $87,599**
Jeff Thigpen, Register of Deeds - 5 percent - $85,087 - $93,121**
Effie Varitimidis, Clerk to Board - 3 percent - $64,702 - $66,643
Willie Best, County Manager - 3 percent - $157,480 - $168,384**
* New Annual Salary includes clothing allowance.
** New Annual Salary includes auto allowance.
Source: Guilford County Human Resources