Dolores County votes to seek legislative sponsorship to lower elected-official salary classification

The Dolores County Board of County Commissioners voted to seek state legislative sponsorship to change the county——elected-official salary classification from 5C to 5D after a sustained discussion of timing, equity and budget impact.

County staff member Eric briefed the commissioners on how the statutory CPI-based schedule updates salaries for the two-year term and provided specific figures under classification 5C: "for commissioners it is $67,360; for sheriff $75,511; and for treasurer, assessor and clerk it is $67,360," he said. He also stated the part-time coroner figure at $50,225. Eric explained that changing a county's classification requires adopting a resolution and obtaining legislative sponsorship to include the county's change in a bill during the legislative session.

Commissioners debated whether to pursue the change now or wait for a later cycle. Several members said moving the classification this year would widen the gap between commissioners and other elected officials over the next two terms; others said the county needs to pursue savings and that the timing was appropriate to seek relief. One commissioner noted workarounds such as dropping categories for employees or revising the salary schedule but said those measures could create other equity issues.

After discussion a commissioner moved to seek legislation to lower the classification from 5C to 5D; the motion was seconded and carried with vocal approval. Commissioner Davis was recorded voting yes. Staff said they would circulate a draft resolution and pursue sponsorship in time for the January filing deadline.

The board did not adopt a final salary schedule change at the meeting; the vote authorizes staff to seek legislative action and to prepare a resolution for formal adoption and submission.