Box Elder County citizens demand salary restructuring for sheriff and county officials

The Box Elder County Commission meeting held on January 22, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding the salaries of county officials, particularly the sheriff's compensation. The meeting highlighted concerns raised by the Box Elder Committee of Liberty, which argued that the proposed salary increase for Sheriff Jason Jansen was excessive compared to the average income of county residents.

Currently, Sheriff Jansen's salary stands at $134,915, which is more than double the average citizen's income of $55,000. The Committee pointed out that while the sheriff's salary has increased by $60,000 over the past 15 years, the average citizen's wage has only risen by $13,000 during the same period. This disparity has prompted calls for a restructuring of salaries for county officials to align more closely with the earnings of average residents.

The Committee proposed that commissioners' salaries be reduced to half of their 2010 levels, arguing that these positions are part-time. They also suggested that the Justice Court judge and county attorney revert to their 2010 salaries. The Committee emphasized that the high salaries of public officials are unsustainable for citizens, who struggle to afford basic benefits such as healthcare and retirement.

In addition to salary concerns, the Committee urged the commissioners to lower filing fees for public office candidates, making it more accessible for residents to run for office. They expressed a desire for a fairer compensation structure that reflects the economic realities faced by the community.

The meeting concluded with a call for county representatives to consider the financial burden on constituents and to take action to restore salaries to a more equitable level. The discussions underscore ongoing tensions regarding public compensation and the need for accountability in local government.