Commissioners introduce bill raising future pay; board schedules public hearing

Mr. Barrow introduced proposed legislative bill 2025-015 during the Dec. 16 session to amend Caroline County’s local code on commissioner compensation.

Barrow summarized the compensation review commission’s findings: commissioner pay has been unchanged since 2009 and the review commission recommended starting salaries of $24,000 for members (rising to $30,000) and $25,000 for the president (rising to $31,000) over the term. Barrow said the draft bill before the board provides for an annual salary of $24,000 for members and $25,000 for the president prospectively for the 2026–2027 term and thereafter unless modified by future action. "The resolution recommended annual salary for the Caroline County Commissioners to begin at $24,000 a year," Barrow said, adding the bill has prospective effect only and does not affect the current board’s compensation.

During discussion a commissioner proposed an amendment to accelerate the increases so that, after year one, members would receive $26,000 and the president $27,000. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The board then voted to advertise a public hearing (scheduled for Jan. 3), set a second reading/public hearing for Jan. 13, and a possible third reading and vote on Jan. 20; if enacted on that schedule, the bill’s effective date would be March 7. Commissioners emphasized the change would apply to future terms after the next election and would not alter the current commissioners' pay.

No formal roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript for the compensation amendment (the transcript records a voice vote with "the ayes have it"); the board approved the legislative calendar and the scheduling of hearings. The county attorney’s office and staff will process required public-notice steps and the item will return for public hearing and subsequent readings on the dates announced.