Committee debates wage adjustments for county clerk and treasurer; staff to draft comparables for next meeting

Administration presented a historical salary spreadsheet for elected positions going back to 2008 and asked the committee to consider whether to adopt increases for the county clerk and treasurer, which are elected offices. Amy Olsen, representing the clerk/recorder’s office, summarized transactions and workload — including tax redemptions, e‑recordings and election administration — and proposed a 3% per‑year schedule for her office to align with union contracts.

Several board members, including Mister Newport, argued that salaries have not kept pace with the consumer price index and that a larger increase is needed to remain competitive and attract qualified candidates. "…in the 18 years, since the consumer price index … it has gone up 54%…these 2 salaries that you're considering tonight have gone up 41%," Newport said as part of his remarks urging 'catch up' adjustments.

Members asked administration to compile comparables from neighboring counties and return with numbers; several suggested discussing numbers at next week's meeting or in May so that ordinances could be drafted and, if necessary, amended during the meeting process. No formal wage ordinance was adopted at the committee meeting; staff were instructed to prepare options and comparables for future consideration.