ELECTED OFFICIALS COMPENSATION BOARD MEETING

Tuesday June 27, 2017

            ALL PRESENT:  Chairman Twito, Commissioner Ostlund, Commissioner Pitman, Commissioner Driscoll, Clerk and Recorder Martin, Auditor Hernandez, Sheriff Linder, Citizens Heinrich and Ruff.

            Chairman Twito stated that at the last meeting an increase of 2% for the Elected Officials was discussed.  It was also discussed to keep the Justice of the Peace’s salary in line with the District Court Judges.  Ms. Hernandez, Auditor emailed everyone regarding considering other percentages for the Elected Officials.  Ms. Hernandez sent comparisons of the non-union salaries and union salaries to everyone on the compensation committee.  Ms. Hernandez stated that it was proposed to give the elected officials a 2% raise and a 2½% raise to the nonelected staff.  One issue for this committee to look at is equalization across all of the groups.  There are 8 different groups of employees.  Ms. Hernandez stated that H.R. notified her that the nonunion salary increase is going to be 3%. 

Finance Director Kevan Bryan explained how compaction works.  Ms. Hernandez noted that most department heads are being paid more than the Elected Officials.  Ms. Hernandez also noted that the Elected Officials receive no vacation, sick leave or unemployment benefits.  Mr. Heinrich stated that you have to remember you chose to run for the position, full aware that there is no vacation, sick leave or unemployment benefits.  Mr. Jeff Martin, Clerk and Recorder stated that he appreciated what Mr. Heinrich said.  Mr. Martin also asked for Sheriff Linder’s perspective on the proposed increase of 2%.  Sheriff Linder stated he thought the point Auditor Hernandez brought up was very valid.  Sheriff Linder also looked at the position that the county is in financially.  There is a lot of money being spent on the detention facility remodel and the sheriff’s office remodel and all of that needs to be taken into consideration.  Sheriff Linder stated he would like to give more money to the deputies however that is just not possible.  In the deputies last contract it stated that they would be ok with a 2% raise however if their raise is under 2% the deputies would reopen negotiations. Chairman Twito asked for public comment.  Judge Carter stated that it is important to have parity between the two Justice Court Judges.  Clerk and Recorder Jeff Martin made a MOTION to keep the Justice of the Peace and the County Attorney’s salaries tied to the District Court salary per state law, Mr. Oscar Heinrich seconded.  Passed Unanimous.   Mr. Oscar Heinrich made a MOTION to approve the 2% raise on the base and 2% raise on the longevity for the Elected Officials, Ms. Billie Ruff seconded.  Passed Unanimous.  Hearing no other comments Chairman Twito adjourned the meeting at 10:55 a.m.

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