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Electric Department Employees Receive 7.6 Percent Raise

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HUNTINGDON (December 16) — Employees of the Carroll County Electric Department will receive a 7.6 percent increase in pay, effective January 1, 2022, thanks to the action of the Board of Directors of the department.
The national cost of inflation is the highest in recent history and is now estimated at 7.6 percent, the highest since 1982.
Ryan Drewry, business manager for the department, said the Consumer Price Index - W is the benchmark the department has used to determine annual pay raises for its 50 employees. Next year, the department will have 46 employees because of attrition and shuffling of job duties, said Drewry.
Danny Brawner, general manager, said the department’s pay rate is about in the middle of pay ranges of area electric departments, with some of the larger departments offering more pay.
The recent increase in retirees’ Social Security benefits will be an additional 5.9 percent.
Chairman Terry Howell said he has heard compliments on the work crews and the newer workers who are stepping up to fill the positions of veteran employees who retired. He also noted the crews have worked in neighboring Weakley County following the tornado.
After discussing the pay raises, the board unanimously approved an increase of 7.6 percent..

The 10-day extended sick leave policy for COVID-associated illnesses or contact was approved. Employees are eligible for up to 10 days of additional sick leave for COVID-related contact or illness. Proper documentation is required to receive the additional benefit.
Chris Gurley, board member, noted the employees already have sick leave pay without the special COVID policy. He noted the department does not identify other classes of illnesses.
Drewry said the policy concurs with the Department of Health guidelines. The department had eight employees, totaling 282 hours, utilized the pay in 2020.
After the discussion, the board voted, without dissension, to extend the policy.
A Community Care Fund established last year to assist ratepayers, who might not be able to pay their electric bills, spent $29,000 of the $33,200 in the fund. TVA is re-establishing the matching fund for 2022, said Drewry. A fund-raising effort is underway to raise the local matching funds.
Brawner said Silicon Ranch, a Tennessee corporation headed by former Governor Phil Bredesen and former ECD Commissioner Matt Kisber, is seeking a location to install a solar array in the county. The Carroll County Electric Department would purchase electricity from Silicone Ranch at lower rates than TVA. Also Silicon Ranch plans to install a 150-megawatt array in south Carroll County and sell the power directly to TVA.

Brawner said Carroll County linemen from the McKenzie crew are working in Dresden to assist with power restoration following a tornado. It involves the lineman, two digger trucks, two bucket trucks, and other equipment. All expenses will be reimbursed by Weakley County. Brawner said Carroll County sustained very little damage during the inclement weather.