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Alleghany County commissioners debate raising their pay after comparison with similar counties
Summary
County staff presented a comparison showing Alleghany commissioners currently paid below peers; a proposal to raise allowances drew mixed reactions about perception and fiscal priorities.
Alleghany County commissioners considered a staff review that compared commissioner pay across 20 North Carolina counties of similar population and found Alleghany at the low end.
Finance staff said the comparison showed higher averages in peer counties and recommended increasing board compensation to move toward the midpoint. Staff cited figures that would raise annual compensation toward roughly $9,000 for board members and $10,750 for the chairman among the peer group.
Commissioners expressed mixed views. One commissioner said, "I didn't run for this office for the money," and opposed a substantial raise on principle and public perception grounds. Another argued the county should be "within reach of the norm" and that modest increases reflect time and travel costs commissioners incur.
Board members discussed current pay mechanics: the chairman receives a monthly stipend of $400, other members $250, and an additional $45 monthly, with meeting pay processed monthly. Several commissioners noted time demands of the work and said compensation does not drive their service; others said increases should be balanced against other county needs and the appearance of conflict.
No motion was adopted at the session. Commissioners asked staff to present the comparative data formally at a future meeting and to provide a clear listing of proposed figures so the board could decide whether to place an adjustment in the proposed budget.
