Committee member recommends 2% pay increase for elected officials, proposes cannabis tax as source

A member of the Big Horn County Compensation Board moved to recommend a 2% increase to elected officials' compensation, specifying that the increase be paid from the county's marijuana (cannabis) tax fund. "I recommend a 2% increase, specifically with that increase coming out of the marijuana tax money," the member said during the meeting.

Another board member seconded the motion. Members noted the board's role is advisory: "This board only makes its recommendations to the commissioners," one member said, emphasizing the commissioners will decide whether to adopt the change. During an informal raised-hands vote, at least one member recorded a yes and another said "I'll say no," and the transcript shows some procedural confusion about the tally.

Supporters argued the cannabis fund has grown and could cover a modest increase without immediately raising the levy. One participant asked how much cannabis revenue was arriving; the discussion referenced roughly $120,000 a year in cannabis receipts and a current cannabis fund balance reported by staff at about $177,000. Opponents and cautious members warned using the fund could reduce distributions to other priorities such as the Council on Aging or the library and stressed optics of funding raises from a targeted revenue stream.

The motion was framed and passed as a recommendation to the county commissioners; the board did not adopt an ordinance or finalize pay changes. The board chair closed by thanking members and noting the recommendation would assist payroll planning going forward.