Summit County Council opts for COLA, not merit increases, and asks staff to set multi‑year review process

The Summit County Council on Dec. 4 directed staff to apply a cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for elected officials in fiscal 2024 and to defer creation of a merit‑pay program for officeholders.

Council members and staff debated whether elected officials should receive annual merit increases, with several members arguing merit is difficult to implement for officials elected to represent the public. Instead, the council favored periodic, position‑based pay reviews tied to election cycles so prospective candidates know the compensation attached to the office.

Council member Stevens introduced a draft policy concept that would standardize how elected‑official pay is reviewed. Several council members said the review could reasonably occur every four years (on a presidential election cadence) or on another regular schedule; staff were asked to prepare a formal pay‑plan review process and return to the council in the first six months of next year.

Officials said the county has historically applied COLA to elected officials but has not consistently given merit increases. County staff also advised the council that compensation for certain full‑time elected positions is treated differently than part‑time council compensation.

The direction is administrative: staff will draft the policy language for council consideration. No formal ordinance or salary schedule was adopted during the meeting.