“Commissioner salaries, I believe they are dreadfully low.”
Ottawa County Compensation Commission member Lynn Jansen says the 20-thousand-dollar base salary for county commissioners is not adequate.
“For the significant time they spend working for the county.”
And others on the Compensation Commission agree. Over the next two years they recommend county commissioners get a pay raise from $20 to $35-thousand a year. Member Mark Brouwer says it might attract candidates with new ideas.
“We need our best and brightest to fill these roles. Some people want to have that financial incentive.”
The annual pay for the commission vice chair will increase from $21 to $40-thousand over two years, the chair from $27 to $45-thousand. Compensation Commission member Ron Franz say they do more work.
“I saw a huge amount of difference in time spent by the leaders.”
The pay raise will automatically take effect next year unless the county commission votes to reject the increase, which assistant county administrator Brian Dissette thinks could happen.
“It will draw media coverage so there is the chance the board could feel pressure to say thanks but no thank you.”
