I would advise against reducing the salary amounts, however. It is true that this is not a job, but people who serve fully in this or other local government positions give up a great deal of opportunity for other pursuits (including income generation), and they should be adequately compensated. Further, if compensation is limited, it becomes an objective only for the independently affluent. County commissioners in other counties are paid much more. I think I heard on the radio that Detroit city councilmembers are paid over $100,000. I think our own local elected officials are well within the mark.
I also think that a modest travel allowance should be retained. As a commissioner, I learned a great deal from attending workshops and newer commissioners in particular need to have this training. It should have a cap, though.
]]>There is no reason for commissioner travel to be included in the budget. Commissioners at present make at least $15,500 annually and unless they are traveling extensively, travel for educational purposes should not be considered a money loosing proposition for any commissioner. You have to travel a lot for educational purposes to use up your salary . In my opinion, we are elected as public servants and receive a great deal of gratification and community recognition as our most compensation.
]]>I strongly believe that we Commissioners should show our employees that we are willing to make substantial cuts in our budget to “share the pain”. The cuts are mainly in per diems and conference travel, and do not affect mileage. In these hard times, I do not think it is asking too much to expect that Commissioners stay home and tend to business. If they want to travel to a conference, they can pay for it themselves.
Also, I asked our government relations representative, Kirk Profit, to take a five percent cut, in addition to the 5% cut he had already taken, and he agreed without hesitation.
The resolution will be on the Ways and Means Agenda as proposed, and any amendments would be proposed at the Board meeting.
Being a County Commissioner is not a job. It is public service.
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