Cache County Council meeting focuses on potential salary increase for council members and elected officials

At Tuesday’s meeting, as part of its 2016 budget process, the Cache County Council discussed the possibility of a 1 percent salary increase for elected officials. In the wake of so much vocal opposition from Cache Valley residents over potential tax hikes to fill budget deficits, the council decided to table the decision until the next meeting while it further reviews the available information. 

“I’ve been here since 2000, when the salary for elected officials was $45,000. Now it’s up to $75,000,” said Kathy Robison, the council chair. “I’m not saying that we shouldn’t increase salaries, but we need to look at how much they have already gone up and gain some perspective before we make a decision.”

The council also discussed possible alternatives to annual salary increases, including salary evaluations midway through, and at the end of an elected official’s 4 or 6 year term, and making decisions accordingly. 

“This comes up every year, so we need to finalize something that works for everyone,” said Craig Buttars, the county executive. “We have some elected officials who are making less than their employees, and that’s never good for morale. Something needs to be done.” 

Three Cache County elected officials have lower salaries than their employees and the other three only earn slightly more than their employees.

“I speak for the elected officials when I say it’s nice to be appreciated. I know that the salary increase isn’t huge, but it lets the officials know they are doing a good job and that their work is being acknowledged,” said James Swink, the Cache County Attorney.

Many citizens are very concerned about proposed tax increases to fill budget deficits, so the council is unsure if now is the right time to make a decision about raising elected officials’ salaries. 

“I went to my grandson’s basketball game and the entire time I was bombarded by concerned citizens saying ‘please don’t raise taxes,’” said Greg Merrill, the council vice chair. “When $10 or $20 is make or break it for some people, how can we focus on raising salaries? I’m just not sure how to handle it.”

The budget is set to be completed on Dec. 8.  Because no decision was made on the salary issue, Buttars has drafted one budget with increases in salaries and benefits, and one without, so that the council can immediately finalize the budget as soon as the salary decision has been made.