Commissioners discuss longevity pay, base pay for new hires and budget cushions

Commissioners discussed possible changes to pay structure intended to reward longevity and to avoid new hires starting at the same pay level as long‑tenured employees. One commissioner suggested instituting a base pay for new hires so incoming staff would not immediately receive the top step attained by veteran employees. "I just think that it's just it's not fair. You know, someone's worked 20 years to make that and you bring somebody else in," a commissioner said during the discussion.

Board members asked staff to compare neighboring counties' approaches to longevity or base pay and to check state code provisions on whether elected officials' pay can be adjusted downward for incumbents. In budget discussion that followed, commissioners stated nearly all county employees received raises this year except commissioners; the group also said they placed dispatch savings into reserves to provide cushion for future years.

Staff said they will provide comparative data from other counties and follow up regarding any legal constraints before the board considers formal policy changes to the county's pay structure.