At its retreat Friday at The Big Shanty inside the Lakes at Green Valley, the Spalding County Board of Commissioners approved the renewal of County Manager William Wilson Jr.’s contract for a term that begins Jan. 3, 2013, and runs until Dec. 31, 2013.

In a separate motion, the board also approved amendments to Wilson’s renewed contract that include a 2 percent salary increase, a 3 percent pension increase — from 15 percent to 18 percent — and an additional $100 per month in vehicle allowance.

The board’s decision was unanimous, with Commissioner Bob Gilreath absent.

Wilson’s salary increase, which is technically an increase in cost of living, is to make up for fiscal year 2012, when all county employees but Wilson received

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the same raise. The additional money in vehicle allowance, which brings the total allowance per month to $600, reflects increased vehicle cost for Wilson, who uses his personal car for his job.

According to Commissioner Raymond Ray, Wilson’s renewed contract raises his overall compensation by about $7,450 per year.

“We want the public to know that we have faith in his abilities,” said Ray.

Among the accomplishments and achievements by Spalding County in 2012, for which Wilson received credit as well, is the negotiation process and subsequent approval of a contract with Tenet Health System Inc., for the lease of emergency communications equipment and an emergency dispatch agreement.

Further improvements include the adoption of a smoke-free parks ordinance, the establishment of Spalding County as a Work-Ready Certified community and, for the 11th consecutive year, the award for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

“I’m just happy to be back for another year,” said Wilson, who was the recipient of the 2012 ACCG Jerry R. Griffin Excellence in Public Service Award. “I look forward to getting on and accomplishing more goals and objectives set by the board.”