Commission approves 2.5% pay increase for Park County health director

Park County commissioners approved a 2.5% certification pay increase for the county health department director after the director described completing additional public‑health training and handling interim coordination duties. Shannon told the commission she had returned to school and graduated with a public health certificate from the University of Montana and said the requested increase had been budgeted for the current fiscal year.

The request drew public comment about fairness and pay equity. A resident who spoke during public comment said the director's position was among the highest‑paid department heads and questioned whether the increase was fair to other employees; commissioners acknowledged those concerns but noted the director had cut expenses during the budget process and the requested increase was budgeted. "I went back to school, which I swore I was not gonna do, and just graduated with certificate in public health from the University of Montana," Shannon said. The motion to approve a 2.5% increase carried by voice vote.