In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the proposed salary increase for the county attorney, with a request for a new salary of $152,142 for 2025. The current salary stands at $132,950, prompting a proposed increase of approximately 15%. The county attorney emphasized that this figure is based on a comparative analysis of salaries from similar counties, ensuring that the request is grounded in market data rather than arbitrary figures.

During the meeting, the county attorney clarified that his request reflects the average salaries of comparable counties, which were identified by the board last October. He noted that while some counties did not report their data, the average provided a solid basis for his request. The attorney has been in his role for nearly a decade and has extensive experience, having worked in various legal capacities for over 20 years.

The board engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the proposed increase, with some members expressing concerns about the percentage increase and its implications. The conversation revealed discrepancies in the calculations, with some members suggesting that the increase might be closer to 13% rather than the initially stated 15%.

Ultimately, a motion was made to set the county attorney's salary at $150,234, which represents a 13% increase. This figure is slightly below the attorney's request but aims to align his compensation more closely with that of attorneys in comparable counties. The motion received unanimous support from the board, reflecting a consensus on the need to adjust the salary while considering budgetary constraints.

The meeting concluded with plans to address the next agenda item concerning the auditor-treasurer's position, indicating ongoing discussions about compensation and responsibilities within the county's legal and financial departments.