Commissioners, officials get raise

by Susie Vasquez

Nevada Appeal News Service

MINDEN - Commissioners approved a 4 percent raise for themselves and other elected officials, as approved by the 2007 Legislature.

"We didn't look to offer ourselves a raise. We're implementing state law," said Commissioner Jim Baushke. "The Legislature put into action the bill that applies to every county in the state."

Base pay for commissioners is $23,712 except for senior member Kelly Kite, who makes $28,454, according to human resources spokeswoman Darcy Wurm.

Commission Chairman Doug Johnson said the raise will mean an estimated $800 annually for each commissioner.

The county pays traveling expenses for work-related trips like conventions, but the job takes a lot of time away from his private concerns.

"I made a commitment to work for the people," Johnson said. "I have no other job but managing my finances and I'm not doing well at that. It's an issue for me."

Other salary increases based on the law go to the district attorney, sheriff, clerk, assessor and recorder. Those salaries increased by between $4,000 and $7,000 per year.

District Attorney Mark Jackson's salary jumps from $98,707 to $105,616 for this fiscal year.

"We have to get good people in these positions," Johnson said. "These professionals can make twice that in the private sector. It's hard to get good people to work in the public sector.

"Elected officials are the lowest-paid on the totem pole," he said.

Per AB516, the commission raises will continue.

AB516 allows a 4 percent maximum salary increase annually for commissioners and 3 percent for other elected officials through 2011, according to information from the Legislative Counsel Bureau.

"The total raise over three years will be about 10 to 11 percent," Baushke said.

Kite said he has received one raise in his 11 years of service.

"I only have 18 months left so it won't benefit me, but getting a 3 percent to 4 percent raise is not exorbitant," he said.

Baushke said this state-approved legislation allows more flexibility.

"It's a better piece of legislation than we've had in the past," he said.

Commissioners voted 4-0 in favor of the raise with David Brady absent.

• Contact reporter Susie Vasquez at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.