LAURINBURG — Money was once again the main topic up for discussion at a special-called Scotland County Board of Commissioners meeting Wednesday evening.

The meeting was was necessary to discuss the upcoming fiscal-year budget, which was approved by the commissioners.

“There aren’t many changes to the budget from last year,” said Kevin Patterson, Scotland County manager.

“The total budget is $44,394,085,” continued Patterson. “This is a little over $200,000 more than presented last week. I added in the grant that the sheriff’s department is receiving as well as the vehicle budget that was not included in the last presentation.”

The Board of Commissioners also voted to not accept it’s 1% salary increase, all were in agreement with the exception of one commissioner, John Alford, who voted against forgoing the cost of living adjustments.

“I believe we should not take the 1%, however, I do not want to speak for future commissioners,” said Betty Blue Gholston, “So I think we should include that it is for this budget only.”

In other business, board member Carol McColl suggested in the last meeting that the board consider signing up for membership with Scotch Meadows.

“I just think it would be a good thing to do for our employees,” said McColl. “We would pay $1000 a year and this will give them the opportunity to join at discounted rates.

“The city and the hospital system is already doing this for their employees,” continued McColl. “I say we try it and if we don’t have any participation, we don’t have to rejoin next year.”

The board approved this proposal and decided to give it a try for a year.

The Scotland County Board of Commissioners will meet again for its regular meeting on July 6 at 7 p.m. It is not yet determined if this meeting will also be virtual or if it will be able to go back to meeting in a public capacity.

JJ Melton can be reached at [email protected].