THOMASVILLE — Thomas County commissioners — in a 4-3 vote — OK’d a raise for a part-time judge, but a raise for another official of State Court of Thomas County never reached voting status.

After commissioners met for two days on a 2010 budget that does not include raises for county government employees, the subject of a raise requested by Elliott McCollum, State Court judge, surfaced Tuesday afternoon.

County manager Mike Stephenson’s recommended 2010 State Court budget included a 3 percent raise for McCollum.

After a board discussion of the request, Commissioner Claud Davis made a motion not to accept Stephenson’s recommendation. Commissioner Merrill Baker provided the second to the motion. Davis, Baker and commission Chairman Josh Herring voted against the recommended budget and raise.

Vice Chairman Elaine Mays and commissioners Mary Jo Beverly, Moses Gross and Louis Rehberg voted against Davis’ motion, resulting in approval of the pay increase.

A raise also was requested for Drew Pope, State Court solicitor. Herring called for a motion to grant Pope a 3 percent raise. No one made a motion.

McCollum’s current annual salary is $55,697. With the raise, it will increase to $57,368 in 2010.

Pope’s position also is part time. His salary of $38,192 will remain the same next year.

Herring pointed out to fellow commissioners that other county employees will not receive raises next year.

Meanwhile, The Associated Press reported Wednesday that leaders of Atlanta’s judicial system warned that cuts proposed by the Fulton County Commission could force a shutdown of the courthouse, a review of capital cases to determine if they are financially feasible and a loss of as many as 1,000 jobs.

Doris Downs, chief Fulton County Superior Court judge, said the cuts of up to $55 million would lead to drastic changes for the Fulton County Jail, prosecutors, judges and defense attorneys.

“This is not something you can adjust to,” AP quoted Downs as saying. “This is going to dismantle the justice system.”



Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820.