County officials weigh competitive salary options for new county attorney position

The Osceola County Board of Supervisors meeting on January 28, 2025, focused on the critical topic of setting a competitive salary for the upcoming county attorney position. As the county prepares for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, discussions emphasized the need to attract qualified candidates while considering the financial implications of the compensation package.

During the meeting, board members discussed the possibility of offering moving expenses to the new county attorney, similar to past practices with county engineers. However, it was noted that these expenses should be reasonable and not serve as hidden compensation. The board was urged to establish a clear salary that reflects the market rates for county attorneys in surrounding counties, taking into account Osceola County's smaller population.

Comparative salary data revealed that neighboring counties pay their attorneys between $121,000 and $140,000, with some adjustments for cost of living increases. The board was advised to consider these figures while also recognizing that Osceola County may not need to match them exactly due to its size.

The discussion also touched on the potential for using the county attorney incentive fund for bonuses, but concerns were raised about the appropriateness of such payments. Ultimately, the board was encouraged to make informed decisions based on local salary trends and the specific needs of the county.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the importance of setting a competitive salary to ensure they attract a capable county attorney, which is essential for the effective functioning of the county's legal services. The next steps will involve further analysis of salary data and a decision on the compensation package in the coming weeks.