Government : Benton County Compensation Board sets dollar amount raises for Elected Officials

Representing the elected officials at this year's meeting were:

Melinda Schoettmer, Benton County Treasurer - Tressa Walton

Ray Lough, Benton County Attorney - John Ketchen

Benton County Board of Supervisors:

Ron Tippett - Mike Barron

Tracy Seeman - Steve Williams

Bruce Volz -

Hayley Rippel Benton County Auditor - Michelle Schoonover

Lexa Spiedel, Benton County Recorder - John Yundt

Dave Upah, Benton County Sheriff - Charlie Garwood

Yundt opened the discussion for proposals for the elected officials.

Garwood began by stating that in the past it's always been a straight across the board raise for all of the officials. However, after receiving information from the Auditor's office concerning other counties and how they function, he said there are other options. He asked if they are looking at a cost of living raise or a merit raise.

Ketchen asked if each assistant is paid according to the department heads. Some of yhe deputies in each department can quality for up to 85% of what is given, except in the County Attorney's office. The deputies in the Recorder, Treasurer and Auditor offices are under this rule.

Conservation and the Assessor's Office are in different formats.

There was a discussion about whether or not the department heads are reviewed, Ray Lough explained that the review is based on election results.

Ketchen explained the differences in pay when it comes to certain departments. He gave examples of counties who have fewer residents are paying more for their County Attorney, so he's not in favor of an across the board raise.

Garwood then asked if each department can receive different amounts and it was agreed that you can. Higher paid employees, will benefit far above the cost of living if it goes by a percentage. He asked if a flat amount could be given.

Schoonover explained that they are just making a recommendation but it will be decided by the Board of Supervisors.

Barron said that the positions are pretty well ranked in the county. For population we are 24th in population, and pay for the Supervisors us ranked 7th, County Attorney 23rd, Auditor 11th, Recorder, 12th, Treasurer 14th and the Sheriff is 17th according to counties our size. Lough pointed out that because Benton County is situated between two major cities, in order to get workers, we have are competing with those wages.

Yundt asked if the department heads can give different amounts to different deputies. Rippel explained that the amounts have to be approved through the supervisors in June. He said the Governor wants to lower property taxes, and asked how that affects the county.

Ketchen pointed out that it took nine months to bring in an assistant county attorney. "A court appointed criminal attorney," he said, "makes $76 an hour, bringing the total to $150,000 a year. If Ray would get a 5% increase that would be $7,000 short." He feels that because of the competition, is going to be harder to find attorneys.

The Compensation Board decided to go with a flat dollar amount per department.

Schoonover proposed $3,000 for the Auditor's Office which would be 3%.

Ketchen proposed a $6,000 raise for the County Attorney.

Garwood proposed $4.000 for the Sheriff's Department.

Walton proposed $2,800 for the Treasurer's Office.

Barron and Williams proposed $0 for the County Supervisors as they have declined a raise.

Yundt proposed $2,800 for the Recorder's Office.

The Compensation Board approved these amounts unanimously.

This recommendation will go before the board for approval at a later time.