Board approves first reading of 7% supervisor salary increase; final vote set for March 10

The board introduced an ordinance to amend county code and raise the Board of Supervisors’ salary by 7% for FY25–26, a proposal presented by Joey Carusco, the county’s human resources director.

Carusco told the board the increase is intended to improve parity with peer agencies, noting current pay is “just over 40% behind” comparator counties and that the five‑member board’s total annual cost from the proposal is about $17,000.

Supervisors debated the political awkwardness of voting on their own pay and options to tie future adjustments to an external benchmark or labor contracts. Carusco said the ordinance must be adopted by ordinance (not just resolution) and that staff will return for a second reading.

Supervisor Verkamp registered the lone opposed vote on first reading; the board approved introduction, waived full reading and continued the matter to March 10 for final passage.

The matter will return on March 10 for second reading and a final vote.