Tax Administrator Receives 10% Raise After Johnston County Reclassification

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – Johnston County has added a second deputy county manager position by expanding the role of the county’s tax administrator, a move approved earlier this year that increased her annual salary by more than $16,000.

County officials confirmed that Tax Administrator Jocelyn Andrews was reclassified in February 2026 to serve as Tax Administrator/Deputy County Manager.

Prior to the change, Andrews earned an annual salary of $165,564 as tax administrator. Following the reclassification, her salary increased to $182,120 annually — a raise of $16,556, or approximately 10 percent.

The county now has two deputy county managers serving under County Manager Rick Hester.

According to salary information provided by Johnston County, Hester earns an annual salary of $303,534, which includes a $6,000 yearly travel allowance.

Deputy County Manager Chad McLamb earns $214,756 annually and receives a $420 annual cell phone reimbursement.

Officials said none of the three administrators have employment agreements with Johnston County.

The additional deputy county manager role was approved by the county in February 2026. Andrews continues to serve full-time as tax administrator while also taking on deputy county manager responsibilities.

The county has not publicly detailed what additional duties Andrews will oversee in the expanded role.

Combined, the county’s three top administrators are paid $700,410 annually, including allowances and reimbursements.