Delta County Drain Commissioner Dean Auger seeks salary increase after historical review

The Delta County Board of Commissioners meeting on June 3, 2025, spotlighted a critical discussion regarding the salary of the Drain Commissioner, Dean Auger, who has been in office since February 2022. Auger, currently earning a mere $50 annually, argued that this amount is insufficient given the extensive travel and responsibilities associated with the role. He proposed a return to the previous salary of $6,000, which he believes would adequately compensate him for his work and eliminate the need for mileage reimbursement.

During the meeting, Auger detailed his duties, which include overseeing multiple drainage projects across the county, and emphasized the misconceptions surrounding the number of drains in Delta County. Contrary to popular belief, he clarified that there are indeed multiple drainage systems, not just one as previously thought.

Commissioners engaged in a robust debate about the appropriateness of Auger's proposed salary. Some members expressed concerns about establishing a performance-based salary structure, suggesting that future commissioners might not fulfill their duties adequately if guaranteed a fixed salary. They discussed the possibility of tying compensation to actual work performed, which could include mileage and per diem payments for meetings attended.

The board ultimately decided to refer the salary discussion to the finance committee for further evaluation, with a follow-up expected in the coming weeks. This decision reflects the board's commitment to ensuring that the Drain Commissioner is fairly compensated while also maintaining accountability for the role's responsibilities.

In addition to the salary discussion, the board ratified the hiring of Heather LeDuc as the new Parks Manager at a salary of $55,000, following a recommendation from the Parks Commission's hiring committee. The meeting underscored the board's ongoing efforts to address staffing and compensation issues within Delta County's government.