County supervisors decide on two percent increase for elected officials

As budget reviews begin for each county department this week, the Board of Supervisors have voted two to one for a two percent increase for all elected officials for the 2019 fiscal year.

            The decision was heard by several department heads in attendance for Monday’s meeting, including County Auditor Christy Bates, County Recorder Dawn Goldman, Sheriff Casey Hinnah, County Attorney John Schroeder and Lee Frimml, a member of the County Compensation Board. Frimml and other members of the Compensation Board last month recommended a seven percent increase to the Board, though all members had no expectation for such a high an increase.

            Vice Chairman Deke Wood made the motion for two percent, seconded by Supervisor Mick Berg. Both were ayes, with Chairman Mike Hadley voting nay.

            “The cost of living went up two percent, so we evaluated that with this decision,” Hadley said. “We also have given three percent raises when the cost of living hadn’t gone up in some years. Jefferson County is talking about a four percent raise while Wapello County is talking about zero or one percent. We aren’t high or low, more like in the middle here. It’s a decision easier for the Compensation Board to make because they may not look at the whole budget. It’s not an easy decision, but it’s one we have to make.”