Farthing testifies electronic data processing funds used to add to clerks’ salaries

During the trial of a lawsuit seeking raises for county employees last week, Dickson County Register of Deeds Jackie Farthing testified she has been using funds from an electronic data processing fee to pay her three employees more than what is budgeted. The register’s office charges an EDP fee $2 per document with the funds designated by the legislature to be used for updating technology and training. Farthing testified the use of the EDP funds to supplement her employees’ salary was approved by the Tennessee comptroller’s office but Mayor Bob Rial testified those payments were never approved by the Dickson County Commission. Farthing, who unsuccessfully sued the county seeking raises for her three clerks, said she is currently paying $137.25 to each deputy per two-week pay period above their budgeted salaries using the EDP funds. While county employees have not seen an increase in their wages in almost five years, Rial testified all employees received a supplemental bonus of $632 last year and $600 the year before. Rial said his priorities on taking office were to not lose any jobs, maintain employees’ benefits and then look into raises. He said he hopes the county will be able to include raises in its next budget.