Commissioners approve 2020 audit

Community, Police & Government

Lumpkin, Ga- Tuesday, June 15, the Board of Commissioners approved the 2020 financial audit. Also, the findings from the salary study were presented, and the Chamber of Commerce gave an update on their Leadership Lumpkin Class.

Adam Fraley from Mauldin & Jenkins CPA Firm presented the findings of the 2020 audit to the board. He was the engagement lead partner. They issued an unmodified audit report which means based on their work the financial statements are presented fairly of the financial decisions and results of the operations in all material respects.

“There were no issues discussed, we did have some audit adjustments, they have been discussed and communicated to management and the finance office, those adjustments have been adjusted in all documents,” stated Fraley.

Nancy Berkley of Evergreen Solutions, LLC presented the finding from the Classification and Compensation Study, also known as the Salary Study, that took place this year. They spoke with department heads and reviewed current pay grades. Later, they polled 21 of the neighboring communities for their salary information. 16 of the communities provided their information for the study.

The current pay plan includes open-range, 23 pay grades, and a 60-70 percent range spread. Evergreen agreed with keeping the pay plan in this format when the implementation of their findings takes place. They found that Lumpkin County is 8.8 percent behind in their salaries. It will cost the county about $910,184.11 to bring the salaries up to meet neighboring communities.

“That 8 percent is more concerning to me than anything because if we had been keeping the pace then what would the compensation have been for the last four years? Basically what you are saying our employees have been unpaid for the last four years,” stated Chairman Chris Dockery.

Nancy Berkley of Evergreen Solutions presenting Salary Study

The implementation of this plan will be voted on in an upcoming regular board meeting.

Chamber of Commerce Director Robb Nichols presented a presentation on the Leadership Lumpkin Class to the board. The class size was 30 and they offered scholarships to Government, Sheriff’s Office, School System, High School, Dahlonega City Government, and the 5th Ranger Training Battalion.

They require 30 hours total of volunteer hours, 12 of which are to be done with the class. Currently, they have logged over 1500 hours of volunteer work.

“That’s such a good program the Leadership Lumpkin, if there is anyone in the room that hasn’t gone through that, it’s certainly worth considering. I promise you, you’ll learn something even if you know everything about Lumpkin County, you’ll learn something,” stated Dockery.

To sign up for the class you can find the application at https://members.dlcchamber.org/news/details/leadership-lumpkin-county-application-process-is-open

The Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Mountain Ranger’s Association both presented plaques to County Manager Stan Kelley for the assistant and support he has given both organizations.

“It’s the year of Stan,” stated Dockery.

County Manager Stan Kelley with the Georgia Mountain Ranger’s Association receiving his plaque

County Manager Stan Kelley and Chamber of Commerce Director Robb Nichols

Leave a comment

Back to Top