Board suggests increases to elected officials' salaries

The compensation board approved a 2 percent increase for county supervisors and a 3.5 percent raise for the county auditor, recorder, treasurer, sheriff and attorney.

Larry Peterson, board vice chairman, presented those recommendations to the Plymouth County Supervisors at their Tuesday meeting.

The supervisors will base their decision as to salary raises for elected officials on those numbers during budget planning.

Compensation board members made their decision voting 6-1 in favor of the salary increases after hearing requests from elected officials.

Member John Koley voted against the measure because he thought the county attorney, especially, deserved at least a 5.8 percent increase based on cost of living.

Koley said based on the attorney's level of experience and compared to what other counties are paying his salary should be comparable.

"I'd like to see him get something better," Koley said.

Following is a synopsis from each elected officials' presentation to the compensation board:

*Darin Raymond, county attorney, gave the board a rundown on some of his office's duties like providing legal advice, counsel and representation to the board of supervisors.

He also touched on some services like the delinquent fine collection program, which generated more than $210,000 in revenue in the county. Because of that program's success the attorney's office received a bonus of $19,529 from the state.

Based on the information provided, Raymond requested a 9 percent increase to bring his salary to $94,330 for the new fiscal year, compared to his current $86,541 salary.

"My pay is not comparable with other regions in Iowa," Raymond said.

*Stacey Feldman, auditor-elect, said the auditor is the Commissioner of Elections for Plymouth County. The general election made the auditor's job this year one of the most demanding and busiest.

Besides the commissioner of elections, the auditor has many other responsibilities including serving as the administrative assistant to the board of supervisors, budget administrator, human resource administrator, safety coordinator and accountant.

Feldman and other elected officials also referred to the Social Security Administration Cost of Living Adjustment (C.O.L.A.) for 2009, which is 5.8 percent.

"It is my recommendation that the compensation board allow for a 5 percent salary increase, which is slightly under the C.O.L.A.," Feldman said.

*Linda Dobson, treasurer, said her department also has many different services. Those include managing cash flow of the county and investing funds not needed for immediate expenses, maintaining custody of all public monies. Revenues will be more than $36 million this year.

Dobson did not verbally request a set salary increase after outlining accomplishments of the auditor's office.

*Jolynn Goodchild, recorder, also asked the compensation board to consider the C.O.L.A. In her letter to the board she requested a 5 percent salary increase based on that.

At the meeting, after hearing that other collective bargaining employees within the sheriff's department would be receiving 3 percent raises, Goodchild said she would be happy with that.

"I too know we are in uncertain economic times and I enjoy my job," Goodchild said. "I would like to continue to serve the citizens of Plymouth County for many years to come."

*Mike Van Otterloo, sheriff, pointed out to the compensation board that his salary is about $1,300 less a year than the Le Mars police chief's salary, and that he would like to stay in line with that.

He also reminded the board that his salary would have a trickle down effect to the deputies as some of them receive a percentage of that amount.

Van Otterloo spoke of a program at the sheriff's office to house federal inmates along with county offenders, pointing out each inmate brings revenue to the county.

"I like my job. I appreciate the opportunity to serve," Van Otterloo said. "I would be happy with a couple percentage points, if not three."

*Supervisors Jim Henrich, Don Kass and Craig Anderson spoke on their behalf reminding the board of an uncertain economy and the tough decisions ahead. Kass said he, personally, would like a salary freeze.

After hearing from each elected official, discussion continued among compensation board members, all of whom represent the officials' offices.

"I really appreciate the service we get in this county," said Chairman Craig Bauerly. "I'm very impressed with the collection of efforts."