Washington County Board Considers Salary Increase After 26 Years Without Raise

Washington County's Executive Committee is considering a potential pay increase for County Board supervisors, marking the first discussion on the topic in over two decades. During the meeting on July 18, 2025, Chairman Schleif presented data indicating that the last salary adjustment occurred in 1999, when the monthly pay was set at $550. Adjusted for inflation, that amount would now equate to approximately $10.60 per month, a figure that many agree is not feasible.

Several supervisors expressed their views on the matter. Supervisor Shodran acknowledged the long gap since the last increase but raised concerns about comparing Washington County's salaries with those of larger counties, suggesting that the comparison may not be entirely fair. He proposed that any increase should be carefully considered, weighing the potential impact on the county's budget.

Supervisor Scholtes echoed these sentiments, questioning whether now is the right time for a raise given the county's financial situation and the possibility of staff cuts. He emphasized the servant nature of the role, suggesting that supervisors should be mindful of their constituents' needs.

In contrast, Supervisor Kelly argued for the necessity of a pay increase, citing that while other county officials have received raises, the board has not. He pointed out that the proposed increase would represent a minimal fraction of the overall county budget, suggesting that it would not significantly impact financial resources.

The discussion concluded with a proposal for future salary adjustments to be tied to inflation and reviewed biannually, ensuring that any changes remain relevant to economic conditions. The committee's deliberations reflect a growing recognition of the need to address compensation for public service roles while balancing fiscal responsibility. As the conversation continues, the implications of these decisions will be closely watched by both county officials and constituents alike.