County employees are finally getting the raise that has been the subject of so much conversation in recent months.

The Henry County Board of Commissioners voted at its March 1 regular meeting to approve an 8.5 percent increase across the board for most county workers. The move is retroactive to Dec. 1 of last year.

County officials pointed out that without a raise of at least 5.4 percent, given the current level of inflation, they would be essentially taking a pay cut this year. It was also noted that over 55 business days since the issue was first discussed, the county has lost 78 employees with 61 of them resigning voluntarily.

Human resources director Harold Cooper said the raise is sustainable and will not result in a millage increase to taxpayers. It is also an important tool for recruitment and retention, as the county is competing with surrounding cities, counties and businesses to hire and retain quality employees.

This was the third time the resolution to increase employee compensation and come before the commissioners, the first coming at a December 14 special called meeting. The motion to approve a 10.5 percent raise that day failed due a 3-3 vote, with no votes coming from Dee Clemmons, Bruce Holmes and Vivian Thomas.

Board chair Carlotta Harrell, who was in favor of the raises from the beginning, stressed again last week the need to move forward on the issue.

“We’ve got to act today. Employees deserve a raise,” said Harrell. “We must remain competitive. We need to stop the bleed and we need to do the right thing as commissioners,” said Harrell, whose original motion for a 10.5 percent raise failed again. Thomas moved for a  7 percent increase which also failed to get a majority vote.

That led to much discussion and ultimately saw Johnny Wilson split the difference with a motion for an 8.5 percent raise. That was approved unanimously.