Pitkin County board approves salary changes for elected officials, votes to pursue commissioner pay increase via state law

Pitkin County commissioners approved two separate compensation actions on Feb. 11. First, on second reading the board moved salaries for elected officials other than county commissioners (sheriff, clerk & recorder, assessor) to category 1a under the state schedule for terms beginning in 2027. That resolution passed 3–1, with Commissioner Patty Clark opposed.

Later the board approved a second resolution authorizing staff to pursue a state-legislative change (via Colorado Counties, Inc. sponsorship) to move Pitkin County from category 2b to 1a for county-commissioner salaries. County staff explained the Home Rule Charter requires following the state-statutory process and that legislative action would be effective for commissioners whose terms begin in 2027 or 2029 depending on district; the board voted 3–1 to pursue the change.

Opponents raised concerns about timing and fiscal priorities — specifically keeping reserves to respond to possible federal funding cuts and local needs such as childcare and senior services. "My concern is to keep money in the general fund and that we're not just jumping up partially... Not that I don't feel... some increase is warranted, my concern is more about keeping money in the general fund," one commissioner said. Supporters noted the need for competitive compensation and that CCI will carry the bill.

Both resolutions passed with the same 3–1 margin; the pay-category change for non-commissioner officials is effective for terms beginning in 2027 and the legislative pursuit for commissioners is subject to the state process and legislative approval.