Clarendon County Chief Financial Officer Lynden Anthony has been named the interim Clarendon County administrator after the resignation of the current administrator, David Epperson.
At a special called meeting on Dec. 6, Clarendon County Council approved the appointment. Additionally, it was also announced by Chairman Dwight Stewart that Anthony will be receiving a $27,847 salary increase effective Jan. 1, 2024. This will bring his salary from $97,153 to $125,000 at the start of the new year. Local news outlets reported on Epperson’s salary and his contracts. Epperson’s salary of $205,000 is $80,000 more than what Anthony will be making at the beginning of the year. Comparatively, Sumter County’s county administrator has consistently made $185,000 since 2019. The administrator salary for Lee County has also remained consistent with him making $85,844 since 2015.
The interim position for Anthony will last until Apr. 30, 2024, or until the county hires a permanent county administrator, whichever comes first. Anthony will continue to serve as CFO for Clarendon as well.
A copy of the contract between Anthony and the council outlines his duties, benefits and salary.
Anthony, serving as the interim administrator, will undertake legally permissible and appropriate responsibilities as directed by county council. These duties and functions are specified in accordance with the provisions outlined in the South Carolina Code of Laws.
While none of the documents specify budgeted amounts for Anthony’s benefits, monies will be allocated for Anthony’s essential work tools, including a county-issued cellphone and necessary technology equipment. The county will also cover expenses such as professional association memberships, travel and event-related costs. Subsequently, Anthony will also be issued unrestricted access to a county vehicle for use in the county and throughout South Carolina. Anthony will also be provided with a county credit card for official purchases in support of his role as interim Clarendon County administrator.
Recent reports state that for many years, Epperson received a $2,500 administrative allowance, although it recently decreased to $1,500. He also was given a vehicle, phone and other allowances throughout his career. Some of these amounts have been taken out of his contracts.
Since 2012, Epperson’s contracted allowances were altered and increased. He initially specified a $100 cellphone allowance, but later that same year, it was integrated into the administrator allowance, which stood at $1,500 at that time. This allowance covered various personal expenses such as the use of his cellphone, personal vehicle and other costs incurred in the performance of his duties.
In his 2015 contract, Epperson’s allowance was labeled a “vehicle/administrative allowance,” which was increased to $2,000 to include miscellaneous expenses and auto expenses excluding gas and property taxes on his personal vehicle. However, the county also provided him with a fuel card to be used while performing administrative work.
The last major contraction alteration occurred in 2018, with his administrative allowance jumping to $2,500 while still encompassing miscellaneous expenses, automobile-related costs and the issuance of a fuel card.
The professional development section of Epperson’s contracts revealed a commitment from the county to cover initiation fees, dues and other related expenses for memberships in athletic or sportsman clubs, organizations or entities that foster professional growth or benefit the county in alignment with Epperson’s responsibilities.
Epperson also served dual roles as county administrator and county attorney; however, Anthony will not serve as the county attorney, but just the county administrator.
The county council approved the use of William Johnson with Johnson and DuRant LLC, Attorneys at Law for legal services.
Starting Jan. 1, Johnson will be rendering services at an hourly rate of $300. His responsibilities include attending all county council, planning commission and other relevant board meetings upon request.
Johnson will offer guidance and counsel to various county officials, including county council, county administrator, deputy county administrator, department heads, elected officials and appointed officials.
His tasks also will involve the review and drafting of ordinances, resolutions, contracts and other legal documents as needed. Johnson will oversee and supervise matters that have been referred to external legal counsel.
Johnson will be the primary attorney responsible for these duties and obligations, however, Chris DuRant will be available as needed. Johnson will charge an hourly rate of $300, DuRant will charge a $275 rate, and a paralegal will cost $90 an hour. These payments will be requested through itemized invoices monthly.
