Commissioner warns against pay increases as revenue falls toward $1.8M deficit

One commissioner told the court the county's revenue picture has deteriorated sharply and urged frugality on salary increases. "Three years ago we had like $18,000,000 in new revenue ... This year, we have $5,900,000," the commissioner said, warning that moving money from contingency and road and bridge could create an $1,800,000 gap.

Commissioners debated allowing new positions while avoiding permanent base‑pay increases. The judge and others noted some positions are mandated or tied to public safety and the new courthouse. No formal budget decisions were made at the consensus hearing, but several members urged preserving fund balance and avoiding adding long‑term payroll commitments.