Committee reviews long‑standing pay link to state raises and pay‑study timeline

Wilson County budget staff presented a report on historical pay links that tie certain county positions — including some assistant directors and other second‑in‑command roles — and county elected officials to the percentage salary increases given to state employees and elected officials, the committee heard.

Staff told the committee the practice dates back roughly 20 years, beginning with road commission action that set the assistant road superintendent’s pay to mirror the superintendent’s annual compensation. Subsequent county actions and budget amendments appear to have extended similar treatment to other positions, including the finance director and deputy positions. Staff said they have not located all original resolutions but found documentation indicating the practice occurred.

Officials referenced Tennessee Code Annotated 8‑24‑102 as the statutory provision that establishes automatic minimum compensation adjustments tied to state increases for certain county officers. Committee members discussed whether the current linkage and recent practice comply with a comptroller opinion issued in 2020 that limited lawful methods for setting commissioners’ pay; staff said they stopped making raises after the comptroller review and would consult the county attorney and the attorney general for a definitive opinion.

Budget staff said the county is conducting a pay study and will provide department heads and commissioners with the study timeline and recommendations in advance of next year’s budget process. Several commissioners asked that department heads be included in the pay‑study review so market comparisons are comprehensive.

No new compensation policy was adopted at the meeting; staff said additional research will continue and staff will report back when they locate original resolutions or receive legal guidance.