KEOSAUQUA —
The Van Buren County Board of Supervisors voted 2-1 to cut in half nearly all of the compensation board recommendations and freeze supervisor pay.
At the board’s recent meeting, the supervisors could have accepted the recommendations or decreased the figures by the same percentage. They could also reduce the supervisors’ pay by more or freeze their salaries.
In last month’s compensation board meeting, the following percentage raises were recommended: 5 percent for auditor, sheriff and recorder; 3 percent for attorney and 2 percent for the supervisors and treasurer.
Supervisor Ted Nixon moved to cut the recommendations in half, except for the supervisors, whose salaries would be frozen. Supervisor Mark Meek seconded the motion. Supervisor Bob Waugh, who voted against, said he was against the motion because he was against the current system.
“I don’t believe in the way we’re forced to give the raises,” he said.
“I believe that the elected officials are doing a good job and are deserving of the raise,” Nixon said.
The resulting salaries were approved as follows for fiscal year 2014: Board of Supervisors — $25,476 ($863 additional for the chairman), Sheriff — $57,133, Auditor — $49,691, Treasurer — $42,587, Recorder — $43,212, Attorney — $41,132.
The board also approved maximum base salaries/mileage reimbursement rates for the one year period beginning July 1 for other county employees. The vote was 2-1, with Meek and Nixon voting for and Waugh voting against.
“I can’t agree that giving a straight percentage is the way to go,” said Waugh.
Local News
Van Buren County board cuts recommendations in half
Supervisors vote to freeze their pay after meeting with compensation board
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