Commissioners nix plan to cut their pay
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The resolution, which failed 13-10, was presented by Commissioner Carl Hulett and seconded by Terry Bell. Hulett had presented a resolution to cut the frequency of commission meetings in half earlier in the year, which, though it also met with some resistance, was passed.
George Smartt made the first motion to amend the resolution, suggesting changes that would have given commissioners unusual flexibility in their pay.
“I’d like to amend the resolution,” Smartt said, “striking section one and inserting that committee fees be increased to $25, and strike section 2 and state that any member that feels they don’t deserve or have earned their fee be able to decline the fee. I so move.”
Commissioner Bill Zechman seconded the amendment.
County Mayor Kenneth Rogers asked to have the amendment in writing, which Smartt provided.
The motion drew a chiding remark from Rogers.
“Gentlemen, ladies,” Rogers said. “I don’t know why we have to amend every motion. I don’t see why we just can’t vote on it and vote for it or against it instead of amending everything that comes before the county court.”
After some discussion on whether commissioners could actually vote themselves a raise during their terms, the amendment was voted down 21-2.
Commissioner Bill Zechman was then recognized and offered his own amendment which would have cut the commissioner’s current compensation of $260 per month in half.
“If the chair would consider an amendment before we vote on the main motion,” Zechman said. “And that would be to set the compensation at $130 per month.”
Rogers then called for a second which was not forthcoming.
“Motion dies for lack of a second,” Rogers announced. “And now we’ll vote on the resolution.”
In the end, commissioners received no change to their compensation, which remains set at $260 per month and $15 for each committee meeting attended.