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Blount County Commission approves pay increase for commissioners
Summary
After heated debate about timing and size, the commission adopted Resolution 2606014 to raise county commissioner compensation; the motion passed (12 yes, 6 no, 1 abstention).
The Blount County Commission voted June 18 to adopt Resolution 2606014, which increases county commissioner compensation. The vote carried with 12 yes, 6 no and 1 abstention.
Supporters argued the raise corrects decades of stagnant pay and helps broaden who can serve. Commissioner Davis, who works with county governments across Tennessee, noted many counties pay commissioners per meeting and said compensation has not kept pace, especially for working commissioners who must take paid time off to attend meetings. Commissioner French, a sponsor of the resolution, said the change would bring pay closer to parity with other elected officials and noted commissioners had not received regular raises for many years.
Opponents called the proposed increase too large and questioned timing and funding. Commissioner Wells said a 200% increase was ``egregious'' and argued that the amount—funded from fund balance—should be more modest, given other unmet budget requests such as public safety positions and services. Several commissioners suggested alternative approaches: smaller phased increases, tying raises to attendance or committee service, or handling changes through the regular budget process.
The commission carried the measure despite those objections; the resolution passed and was recorded as adopted. The measure will be implemented as directed in the resolution and will be reflected in next budget cycle accounting as appropriate.
Next steps: staff to implement payroll and budget adjustments consistent with the resolution and to include the change in next year’s budget documents.
