Johnston Commissioners Approve Their Own 5% Pay Raise

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – Johnston County commissioners have approved a 5 percent pay raise for themselves as part of the county’s new $434.9 million budget, which takes effect July 1.

The salary increases were included in the fiscal year 2026-27 spending plan but were not specifically identified during public budget workshops, the public hearing or the meeting where commissioners unanimously adopted the budget. Details of the commissioners’ compensation were obtained by JoCoReport through a public records request.

Commissioners approved giving themselves a 5 percent salary increase effective July 1. County employees will receive the same overall increase — a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment on July 1, followed by a 2 percent merit increase on Oct. 1.

Board Chairman Patrick Harris’ annual salary will increase from $33,588.24 to $35,287.80, an increase of $1,699.56.

Vice Chairman Butch Lawter and the county’s other six commissioners will each receive an increase from $26,833.20 to $28,190.96, an annual raise of $1,357.76.

Commissioners also receive annual travel allowances. Harris receives $8,400 each year, while the other six commissioners receive $6,600 annually.

Including the travel allowance, Harris’ total annual compensation will increase to $43,687.80. The remaining commissioners will each receive $34,790.96 in salary and travel compensation.

In addition to their salaries, commissioners are eligible for county-paid employee benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, and life insurance.

The raises come as Johnston County residents continue to feel the effects of the 2025 countywide property revaluation, which increased taxable property values by an average of 70.6 percent.

The new budget also increases several county fees. Water and sewer usage rates will increase by approximately 10 percent beginning July 1, while landfill tipping fees will rise from $48 to $50 per ton. Commissioners also approved lowering the county property tax rate by one cent, from 52 cents to 51 cents per $100 valuation.

The 51-cent tax rate remains above the county’s revenue-neutral tax rate.

While the board publicly discussed employee raises during this year’s budget deliberations, the commissioners’ own salary increases were not separately presented or discussed before the budget was adopted.

Under North Carolina law, county commissioners establish their own compensation through the annual budget process.

The fiscal year 2026-27 budget takes effect July 1.