Workers' Compensation Board says compensation changes affect 21 positions; subcommittee acknowledges report

The subcommittee heard an update from the Workers' Compensation Board on its review of compensation for the board chair, presiding administrative law judge and administrative law judges. Joy Doherty, WCB chair and administrator, said the Board exercised statutory authority (citing ORS provisions) to fix judge salaries in reasonable conformity with the state salary structure after DAS reviewed board structure and compensation. Doherty said 21 positions would be affected and that the increased limitation needed for the biennium is $851,988; she noted some internal funding may offset part of the increase.

Courtney Rogers, DAS CFO, recommended the committee acknowledge receipt of the report. The Legislative Fiscal Office likewise recommended the committee acknowledge receipt. A member moved the LFO recommendation; the chair asked if there was objection, none was voiced and the motion carried.

The subcommittee’s action was procedural — acknowledging receipt — and does not itself change compensation. Committee members asked clarifying questions about appeals and DAS review processes; Doherty explained the sequence of discussions with DAS and the statutory framework under which the Board acted.