It’s curious and slightly discouraging that the Mower County Board of Commissioners would approve a 14 percent pay raise for themselves while increasing taxes 9 percent for the average homeowner and approving only a 3 percent pay raise for other county employees.

Friday, January 05, 2001

It’s curious and slightly discouraging that the Mower County Board of Commissioners would approve a 14 percent pay raise for themselves while increasing taxes 9 percent for the average homeowner and approving only a 3 percent pay raise for other county employees.

Last Wednesday the commissioners approved a $2,500 salary increase, from $17,500. The proposed increase was $22,000, but was rejected for lack of a second. The $20,000 amount was later approved.

Commissioner Dave Hillier had the right idea of proposing a 3 percent raise, which would bring their salaries to a little more than $18,000.

While we understand Commissioner Len Miller’s concern to bring the salaries more in line with other commissioner salaries around the state, a 14 percent pay raise is a bit steep.

We wonder how other county employees’ salaries compare with those around the state? Is 3 percent enough to bring them in line?