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Madison County board sets salaries for November 2020 offices after heated debate; amendment to cut three salaries fails
Summary
After contentious floor debate, the board adopted a resolution keeping FY2020 salaries for several elected offices unchanged; an amendment to reduce three positions to $110,115.20 failed in committee vote.
Madison County’s Board on March 18 adopted a resolution establishing salaries for certain county elected officials to be elected in November 2020. The board left FY2020 salary levels unchanged for the Circuit Clerk, Coroner and Auditor ($116,722.27) and for the County Board Chairman ($107,360.29) for the December 1, 2020–November 30, 2024 term.
The floor debate was vigorous. Board member Don Moore proposed an amendment to lower the base salaries of the Circuit Clerk, Coroner and Auditor to $110,115.20—bringing them in line with the County Clerk, Treasurer and Sheriff—to equalize the six peer offices. That amendment failed on roll call (AYES 5, NAYS 15, ABSTAINS 2). Moore argued the change would save taxpayer funds and restore parity among peer offices. Opponents, including members who serve on the Executive Committee, said reducing pay was inappropriate and that salary differences reflect job differences and historical changes.
Board member Mike Walters moved the original resolution to set salaries at FY2020 levels; after the failed amendment the original measure passed (AYES 16, NAYS 4, ABSTAINS 2). Several members recused or abstained when their own offices were under consideration.
Why this matters: County elected official salaries are established by the Board prior to the election cycle; the decision determines four‑year salary levels for offices that carry substantial administrative responsibilities.
During the debate, voices on both sides noted historical changes to pay parity among the six peer positions and emphasized fairness, recruitment and fiscal stewardship. The resolution passed as presented and will take effect for the term beginning December 1, 2020.
