Opposing Viewpoints: Commissioner compensation adequate for part-time job

Like member of Congress, county commissioners are some of the few people who have the ability to vote themselves a pay raise. But that power doesn?t come without possible consequences.

Voters have the ability to knock elected officials out of office when they head to the polls in August. And people who vote themselves a pay raise during rocky economic times would surely draw the attention of more than a few taxpayers.

Truth be told, Warren County commissioners receive fair financial compensation for their service to this community. It?s by no means great pay, but neither is the pay for other local city and county officials. From policemen to teachers, this city and county only offers average pay at best.

Therefore commissioners should be no different.

The average commissioner salary ? at $3,495 a year ? is not chump change. In fact the base salary is $3,120 a year without attending a single meeting.

Commissioners are quick to point out all the work they do for the county, but in reality there are only six full meetings a year. And sure there are dozens of other committee meetings they attend throughout the year, but they have to do something for that $3,495.

Commissioners say they often receive calls at home which adds to their workload. The question is who doesn?t get calls at home? I know I receive my share. My wife who is a teacher certainly gets calls at home.

If commissioners want to scrutinize the budget and call for county departments to get by with less ? as they should ? then they shouldn?t exclude themselves. What commissioners earn now is certainly fair.