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Commissioners discuss draft letter asking salary commission to pause raises for county commissioners
Summary
Board members discussed a draft letter to the salary commission asking that county commissioners not seek an increase for themselves in the upcoming 2026 salary review; discussion was continued pending full-board input and some members suggested wordsmithing language about staffing reductions.
Commissioners discussed a draft letter to the salary commission requesting that the board not seek an increase for county commissioners in the 2026 salary review and that priority be given to staff and county employees.
Commissioner Mejia introduced the draft and said the goal was to prioritize staff and avoid perceived inequities between elected officials and county employees during a period when the county faces budget shortfalls. Several commissioners expressed support for the concept but asked to delay final action until all commissioners, including Commissioner Menser, could consider the language. One commissioner asked staff to share the prior COVID-era letter that paused elected‑official pay to inform wording.
Members asked that the second paragraph be edited to avoid wording that could alarm employees by implying imminent staffing reductions; commissioners agreed the board has been transparent about facing a budget gap but requested softer phrasing that makes clear any staffing reductions would be avoided if possible. The board did not take formal action; members said they will continue the conversation and circulate proposed edits so the letter can be finalized with full-board input before submittal to the salary commission.
