Finance officer seeks pay raise as commissioners debate staffing and pay schedule

The county's finance office presented a request for a $3 per hour raise, prompting an extended discussion about county pay scales, staffing needs and the timing of raises.

The finance officer described significant overtime and duties beyond standard hours, including processing invoices, retirement paperwork and grant work. She said she had submitted significant overtime and asked for a $3/hour increase to reflect additional responsibilities and retention concerns.

Commissioners agreed the office is understaffed and that hiring an additional employee may address workload issues; several members recommended taking pay adjustments to the budget committee for review and aiming for a consistent annual schedule for raises (discussion centered on January as a preferable time). A motion to set a deputy judge salary was tabled so the court could prepare specifics and the body could evaluate budget impacts.

No final salary increases were adopted during the special call; commissioners asked staff to produce cost estimates and return with formal proposals to the budget committee.