The Harnett County Board of Commissioners convened on September 9, 2025, to discuss key updates to the personnel ordinance and the compensation for board of elections members.

The meeting began with a request from Janice Lane to approve changes to the personnel ordinance, specifically in accordance with a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Board of Commissioners and the Board of Elections. Lane outlined two primary amendments: the first change modifies the language in Article 1, Section 2, to clarify that employees of the Board of Elections are now subject to certain provisions, replacing the previous reference to the director of elections. The second change shifts the exemption status of Board of Elections employees from Articles 10 to Articles 9 and 10, which pertain to disciplinary actions and grievances.

Commissioners engaged in a discussion regarding the implications of these changes, particularly concerning the exemptions listed for various county employees, including the county manager and the sheriff. Clarifications were made about the relationship between the Board of Elections and Harnett County, emphasizing that while board members are appointed by the state, they are still part of the county's personnel system.

Following this discussion, Claire Jones, the elections director, presented information on the compensation for board of elections members. Currently, the chairman receives $250 per month, while other members earn $200. Jones noted that the minimum pay for county board members is set at $25 per meeting, as mandated by state law. A review of surrounding counties revealed a wide range of compensation, with larger counties like Wake offering significantly higher pay.

The average compensation for board members in Harnett County was discussed, with recommendations suggesting that any potential pay increase be implemented in the upcoming budget cycle, effective July 1, 2026. This proposal aims to align Harnett County's compensation with that of neighboring counties, which have seen increases over the years.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to move forward with the proposed changes to the personnel ordinance and to consider the recommendations for adjusting the pay of board of elections members in future budget discussions.