Prayer and pay raises OK’d by County Council

The third Tuesday night meeting of the Oconee County Council was a meeting where the council approved merit pay raises for the county’s employees. Those employees at the bottom end of the pay scale will see the biggest percentage gain. Excluded from the action are the county’s elected officials. The meeting was also the occasion where the council returned prayer to the start of its meetings. However, before prayer is recited there will remain a moment of silence for those who wish to pray privately. The council appointed Tom Martin, the county attorney, as chaplain. Martin will lead the prayer.