CUMBERLAND — On a split vote, county supervisors amended a proposed county personnel manual to include five-percent step pay increases for employees every five years.

Originally the increase as proposed was at 10 percent according to County Administrator and Attorney Vivian Seay Giles.

The change, along with the personnel manual, was approved on a three-to-two vote. Supervisors Lloyd Banks and William F. “Bill” Osl Jr. opposed the action.

“An employee is eligible for an increase pursuant to this paragraph when the employee …  has attained a designated anniversary date of employment and …  is recommended for an increase by both his or her supervisor and the county administrator,” according to the manual. 

The manual also includes pay raises for employees who achieve certain degrees of education and certifications.