Board approves contingency transfer to boost chief civil deputy salary

The Cochise County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 10 approved a $30,571.95 transfer from the general fund contingency to increase the civil chief deputy's pay range and help attract a more competitive candidate.

County Attorney Zuko explained the position's previous salary was well below market and requested the additional funds to increase the annual maximum to $180,000 (with a posted range of $160,000 to $180,000). Zuko said the board's requested increase includes a pro-rated amount to cover the remainder of the current fiscal year if the county hires by the fourth quarter. "I'm asking for... $30,572, which would be an increase of $25,500 annually to make it a 180 maximum," Zuko said during the discussion.

Supervisors discussed recruitment plans described by Zuko (state bar advertising, targeted emails, postings on professional-listservs and social media) and noted the county will seek candidates with civil litigation and management experience. The motion to transfer contingency funds and authorize the salary increase passed with a recorded vote of 3-0.

The board directed staff to proceed with recruitment using the new pay range and to report back as hiring progresses.