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County officials urge exploring higher pay classification for elected positions; board warns of optics
Summary
Assessor Lacey Welsh and Treasurer Gaila Mitchek asked the board to pursue moving Cheyenne County up from Category V, Level D for elected‑official pay; the board noted any change requires state legislation and discussed public backlash and an option to decline the bump.
Cheyenne County elected officials and staff discussed potential changes to the county’s pay classification for elected officers.
Assessor Lacey Welsh and Treasurer Gaila Mitchek presented information comparing Cheyenne County to similar counties and recommended pursuing a move from Category V, Level D to a higher classification; they noted Kiowa, Mesa and Cheyenne counties remain on the lowest level. Welsh said the change would require state legislation.
Commissioners expressed concern about public perception if it appears the board is voting itself a raise; Commissioner Rick Pelton suggested including an option for officials to decline any increase. The board agreed to reach out to state legislators — Senator Rod Pelton and Representative Chris Richardson — to explore the legislative path and implications.
Next steps: county officials will pursue discussions with legislators and return to the board with potential legislative language or timing; no formal motion to change classification was recorded in the transcript.
