A commission tasked with hearing requests for salary increases for the heads of state agencies granted almost 40 raises today.
They say it's all in an effort to help make South Carolina's pay more competitive.
The Agency Head Salary Commission heard more than 20 requests from agency heads and 15 from the leaders of state colleges.
The requests come after the range for salary increases was raised by 8.5% in June, after lawmakers were consulted by independent firm Korn Ferry, with findings that many agency heads are underpaid as their departments have expanded in size.
"Some of these guys it’s been quite some time since they’ve had a pay raise," said Rep. Leon Howard. "We don’t grant all pay raises. We want to try and be as competitive as possible as well as being frugal with the taxpayers dollars."
Of the 40 requests, all but two were granted.
Raises are going to Department heads and higher education leaders, the leader of the Commission for the Blind, Revenue & Fiscal Affairs Office, and the Department of Disabilities & Special Needs. The highest of the new salaries from today's requests is the President of the College of Charleston, who will now be making $320,500.
Lawmakers say a number of factors determine whether requests are approved, including performance, tenure, and what the existing salary is. The two heads that were denied their raises were from the Department of Consumer Affairs and the State Museum Commission. Lawmakers said the latter was well within the new salary range after the 8.5% raise.
"We felt like the salary was certainly if anything generous for State Museum Commission. It’s not a comment on this agency head’s performance, and her performance by all accounts is outstanding," said Sen. Greg Hembree.
The Commission also has to hear salary requests for new hires. SC First Steps has requested an increase for the new Executive Director, who has yet to be announce. Lawmakers granted the request today at $159,064.
The new salary increases will go into effect immediately.
