Records reveal differences in Richmond, Columbia government salaries
Augusta Chronicle
Columbia County is approaching 80% of the population of Augusta-Richmond while its county government is less than half the size.
The Augusta Chronicle obtained and analyzed salary records from both counties and found top officials took home comparable amounts, while Columbia County had far fewer rank-and-file workers.
Including each county’s public safety personnel, Augusta-Richmond has approximately 2,540 full-time workers while Columbia County has 1,235. The consolidated Augusta government has an estimated population of 200,000 while fast-growing Columbia is estimated at 160,000.
Differences between the two jurisdictions could help explain the staffing numbers. For instance, Augusta Regional Airport employs 73 plus 12 security officers from the Richmond County Marshal’s Office.