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Commissioners support raises for county officials

La Plata County commissioners voiced support for pay increases for all elected county officials in a letter to state Sen. Ellen Roberts on Tuesday.

The salaries for all nine elected county officials are set in state statute, and they have not been increased since 2007.

“If you want to have qualified people running for these jobs, you have to have a salary that is competitive,” Commissioner Julie Westendorff said.

The state Legislature may introduce two bills that could increase salaries starting in 2017. But, there may not be time for state officials to come to a consensus on county salaries before the end of the session May 6, she said.

The increases would take effect only as new officials are elected to office, according to the letter. Only two new county commissioners will start their terms in 2017. The pay raises for the other seven county officials would take effect in 2019.

The letter did not suggest a percentage or dollar amount for raises.

“This is not giving sitting elected officials or this board of county commissioners a raise,” said Gwen Lachelt, chairwoman of the board.

The board did not support raises last year because the county could not give raises to staff.

Commissioners also asked the state to allow for flexibility within the pay structure, so that counties across the state could manage raises based on their budget.

Currently, county commissioners, the treasurer, assessor and clerk are paid $72,500 annually. The sheriff earns $87,700 a year. The coroner is paid $44,200, and the surveyor makes $44,00 each year.

mshinn@durangoherald.com

Letter on Raises (PDF)



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