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Commissioners reject proposal to cut commissioners' per diem, citing value of public service
Summary
A resolution to reduce meeting per diem and taxable millage compensation for Eaton County commissioners failed after floor debate. Supporters said it addressed budget optics; opponents said reducing pay would devalue the office and not meaningfully affect the county budget.
A resolution to reduce meeting per diem and taxable millage compensation for Eaton County commissioners failed on a voice vote Sept. 17 after extended debate over whether cutting commissioner pay would help the county—s finances.
Commissioner Drosha (moved) and Commissioner Barber (seconded) put the measure before the board. Several commissioners spoke against the proposal. Chairman Mott opposed the change, arguing it would send the wrong message about the value of the commissioners' work: "If you value what you're doing, we're making pretty big decisions for the people that work here and for the people in this county," he said. "It's not about the dollar figure."
Commissioner Holmes said the proposal had been raised by a constituent and the measure was intended to examine line items closely. Commissioner Haskell said he had reconsidered his earlier position and would oppose the resolution, describing individual choices not to claim per diem as voluntary and not a reason to cut compensation for others.
After discussion, the board voted by voice; the motion failed and was recorded in the minutes as not carried.
Why it mattered: Proponents framed the change as a step toward tighter fiscal discipline; opponents said the proposed cut would have minimal budgetary impact and could dissuade qualified candidates from serving.
Details - Motion: reduce meeting per diem and taxable millage compensation for county commissioners. Moved by Commissioner Droshear; supported by Commissioner Barber. - Outcome: motion failed (voice vote). No roll-call tally recorded in the transcript. - Key arguments: supporters urged line-by-line scrutiny of the budget; opponents said the change would "go in the wrong direction" and emphasized the symbolic value of paying commissioners fairly.
Ending The board left the commissioners' compensation structure unchanged at the meeting. Commissioners said they would continue reviewing the budget line by line in committee work.
