County Commission Chairman, Vice Chairman Could Be Getting Big Raise If Resolution Is Approved

  • Wednesday, August 31, 2016

The chairman and the vice chairman of the County Commission would be in line for a sizable raise if a resolution set for a vote by the commission next Wednesday is approved.

Also, commissioners who have served in those roles dating back six years would be in line for back pay.

County Attorney Rheubin Taylor said it was learned that in 1990 it was set up that the chairman would get 40 percent more and the vice chairman 30 percent more than other commissioners.

However, beginning in 1999 the commission followed a different process. It was decided then to give the chairman an extra $5,000 and the vice chairman an additional $2,500 above the pay of other commissioners.

But the 1990 resolution remained on the books.

County Attorney Taylor said the commission needs to clarify the policy so two different pay standards are on the county resolutions.

Commissioner Joe Graham said, "It has always been told to us that the chairman gets $5,000 more and the vice chairman $2,500 more. Then all commissioners get annual percentage increases in line with other county employees."

He said going back to the 40 percent and 30 percent standard "would give some huge raises with very little notice and public discussion.

"It is really wrong of us to try to establish a 40 percent and 30 percent standard when we have not done that for 19 years."

Commissioner Tim Boyd agreed, saying the resolutions should be clarified in line with the $5,000 for the chairman and $2,500 for the vice chairman policy.

Commissioner Greg Back, however, said the commission should go along with resolutions that are on the book and not change them to fit later policy.

Answering a question from Commissioner Jim Fields, attorney Taylor said he did not favor one action over the other, but was just trying to get two conflicting actions corrected.

 


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