Washington County Salary Commission Hears Public Concerns Over Proposed Pay Increases

Washington County Government, as mandated by law every four years, convened its Salary Study Commission to review and propose salary adjustments for specific elected county positions and the liquor board. On January 12, 2026, the commission held a public hearing to solicit community feedback on potential pay raises. The commission is tasked with considering factors such as the scope of responsibility for these roles, workload volume, and comparable positions in jurisdictions of similar size.

The commission’s recommendations for salary adjustments are significantly influenced by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as published by the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. For this review cycle, the commission began with the CPI figure from 2021 and applied that rate for each subsequent year through 2025. This calculation resulted in an overall factor of 8.14 percent. It was noted that any salary increases approved by the Board of County Commissioners for elected officials would not take effect until after the next election cycle. However, for positions not filled by elected officials, any approved pay adjustments would become effective immediately upon the passage of an ordinance. The commission emphasized that public comments should focus on future salary considerations rather than the performance of current officeholders.

During the public hearing, several residents voiced strong opposition to proposed salary increases for county commissioners. Concerns were raised that elected officials are currently working fewer hours and have reduced public engagement, citing a shift away from in-person citizen participation in meetings. One resident argued that the current commissioners’ policies have lessened their workload and involvement with the public, suggesting that a pay decrease would be more appropriate until these policies change and in-person citizen feedback is restored. Another speaker echoed this sentiment, stating that proposed salary increases are unjustified given the perceived decrease in work and public accessibility.

Further commentary questioned the proposed hourly rate for commissioners, with calculations suggesting figures upwards of $500 per hour based on the number of meetings held. This was contrasted with the compensation of other public servants, such as school board members, and professional services, arguing that the commissioners’ compensation is disproportionately high, especially when public feedback is perceived as being ignored. The legality of certain meeting procedures and past violations of the Open Meetings Act were also brought up as reasons to withhold pay increases.

Some participants suggested that any salary adjustments for elected officials should be considered after the upcoming election, once new officials have taken office and potentially implemented new policies and procedures that better reflect public opinion. This approach, it was argued, would ensure that any pay raises are tied to demonstrable public service and responsiveness. The commission acknowledged all testimony provided and indicated that it would be reviewed at their next meeting, the date and time of which will be publicly announced.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon Washington County Government public hearing audio.

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