The Monroe County Council denied the board of commissioners an $18,000 raise Tuesday night.
The three commissioners were hoping to amend the salary ordinance portion of the adopted 2022 county budget, which sets their compensation at $48,886 next year. This is a $2,886 increase from their 2021 salaries of $46,000.
However, commissioners requested $67,158 for 2022. The request was in line with other elected positions like county clerk and auditor, both of which make $70,000 per year.
“This isn’t about people,” commissioners president Julie Thomas said. “It’s about the office and a demonstration of your [county council] respect for this very important role in county government and ensuring that whoever is elected to this job doesn’t have to take other jobs on.”
Councilmember Trent Deckard said he struggled with the proposed salary amendment because of recent increases. In 2016, commissioners only made about $33,000. Between 2020 and 2021, commissioner pay jumped from $36,000 to $46,000.
“When I look at this historically, and in that recent history, I do see movement,” Deckard said. “I see movement that reflects the professionalism of that job, and the professionalism and responsibility of this job.”
Currently the commissioners are classified as PAT (professional, administrative, and technical) in the county’s compensation grid. Councilmember Geoff McKim said commissioners should be classified as EXE (executive) and receive at least $55,000 per year.
“Everything we’ve seen by every piece of analysis we have, the commissioner’s position is undercompensated,” McKim said.
He proposed an alternative salary of $58,000, but no other members supported his motion.
Councilmembers Cheryl Munson and Kate Wiltz both said they will revisit the topic next year.
“It’s incredibly disappointing to hear that the council expects us to volunteer our time compared to other elected officials,” Julie Thomas said.
Councilmembers Deckard, McKim, Munson, Wiltz and Peter Iversen voted against the salary amendment. Newly appointed councilmember Jennifer Crossley abstained. Councilmember Marty Hawk was absent.
