‘They’re going to stay in Pender County’: Commissioner on $900k financial retention package approved for Pender EMS & Fire

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Pender County Commissioners voted on funds that will go towards hiring and retention benefits for Pender County Emergency Services and Fire Department employees on Monday.

The county plans to merge the two under its control by July.

The department reports that it has lost nearly 40 employees this year.

Assistant Chief Mark Haraway says they need help with hiring and keeping the staff they currently have.

“I have conversations with all my shift personnel. They’re requesting me to hire people so they can quit working 48 and 60-hour shifts,” said Haraway.

At a meeting on Oct. 20, the Commissioners approved a $900,000 full financial retention package. This is an increase from the original proposed $300,000 package.

Commissioners Brent Springer and Brad George recused themselves from the vote. Commissioners Randy Burton and Jimmy Tate voted for the larger package. Commissioner Jerry Groves voted against it.

On the phone, Groves clarified his decision. He said he favored the $300,000 plan over the $900,000 plan and didn’t fully understand where all the money would go.

Here’s a breakdown of the $900,000 package:

1. $525,000 will go towards lining up holidays with other county employees.
2. $202,000 will go towards salary adjustments.
3. $95,000 will match longevity pay.
4. $57,000 will go towards training.
5. $20,000 will be used for sign-on bonuses.

Tate says that by offering competitive pay and benefits, employees will want to stay in Pender County.

“I don’t believe we need to bring someone on for a $2,000 sign-on bonus, and they leave in three months. If we offer them a very competitive package, they’re going to stay in Pender County. If we offer them a very good working environment, they’re also going to stay in Pender County,” explains Tate.

Tate also mentions that employees told him they would like paid holidays because operative employees don’t like having to choose between a paycheck and unpaid holidays with their families.

He believes this Financial Retention Package will open the door for other discussions that will improve the work-life balance for more county employees.