DARLINGTON — Highway workers in Lafayette County will see a $4 raise in two increments over the coming year, a dollar short of what they were seeking.

That’s according to County Board Chairman Jack Sauer, who said the increase was approved in the HR/Finance committees this week but must still be approved by the full county board. That will likely happen at the August 15 meeting, he said.

Under the new pay plan, which impacts about 35 workers, they will see $2 more dollars per hour on their paychecks starting Oct. 1 and $2 more starting Jan. 1. The workers currently make in the $20 to $25 range, depending on seniority.

The larger raise was sought to keep and retain workers in a tight labor market, officials said.

“They need the money but the county can’t afford it,” Sauer said before the committee vote. “This was a compromise I guess.”