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Clay County commissioners agree to negotiate commission auditor's contract after salary request
Summary
After a public discussion of a requested pay increase and comparisons to a 2023 compensation study, the board designated three commissioners to negotiate with Commission Auditor Heather Boucher and return recommendations to the full commission.
Clay County commissioners agreed to form a small negotiating group to review the commission auditor’s contract after the auditor requested a salary and benefit increase and indicated she might resign without changes.
Commission Auditor Heather Boucher (referred to on the record) told commissioners she sought a significant increase; commissioners reported the auditor indicated she would resign if denied a requested top figure. Board members reviewed a 2023 external compensation study (which staff said placed the auditor’s role and duties at roughly $111,000–$114,000 as a market benchmark) and discussed intermediate adjustments that staff proposed. HR recommended a mid‑range alternative (about $120,500) to adjust the pay grade in recognition of tenure and duties.
Commissioners debated process and timing. Some members said they were uncomfortable reopening a contracted employee’s agreement immediately; others said duties have evolved and that the board has authority to increase base pay or reopen contracts. County attorney advised that the board can increase compensation at its discretion or appoint a member to negotiate and report back.
After discussion, three commissioners volunteered to work with the auditor and staff on a proposed adjustment and to return recommendations to the full board. The chair designated Commissioner JB to lead the negotiating subgroup.
The board did not adopt a new salary on the floor; any change will return to the board for formal action after negotiation and legal review.
