Whatcom County debates treasurer salary alignment with local executive pay scales

The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission convened on April 10, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding the salaries of elected officials. The meeting focused on the need for a reevaluation of compensation structures, particularly in light of local economic conditions and comparisons with other counties.

The session began with a statement from a commissioner advocating for the treasurer's salary to be aligned with that of the county finance director, emphasizing that local comparisons are more relevant than statewide averages. The commissioner criticized the salary commission's practice of presenting salary determinations as a percentage of the executive salary, arguing that this misrepresents the true intent behind salary decisions. They highlighted a cautionary tale from Clark County, where a fixed salary for the sheriff led to significant disparities over time, ultimately requiring a voter-approved amendment to rectify the situation.

Following this, the commission moved into a Committee of the Whole to further discuss salary amendments. Concerns were raised about the current compensation levels for Whatcom County officials, which reportedly exceed those of comparable positions in larger counties. A commissioner pointed out that the average annual wage in Whatcom County is $62,000, questioning the justification for paying part-time elected officials more than full-time positions in the private sector.

The discussion also touched on the implications of high salaries for local governance, suggesting that inflated compensation could deter individuals from pursuing challenging roles in state government. The need for a more competitive approach to hiring, potentially through the establishment of a county manager position, was proposed as a solution to improve management efficiency and reduce unnecessary expenditures.

As the meeting progressed, differing opinions emerged regarding the appropriateness of current salary levels. One commissioner expressed a contrasting viewpoint, indicating that while they understood the concerns raised, they believed in the importance of recognizing the hard work of elected officials.

The meeting concluded with a call for further examination of salary structures, emphasizing the need for alignment with local economic realities and the expectations of Whatcom County residents. The commission plans to continue discussions on this topic in future meetings, aiming to establish a fair and sustainable compensation framework for elected officials.