Commissioners hold line on their own salaries

Commissioners voted to keep their salaries at the same level as it was in 2016. They are paid $18,500 per year. The County Commission Chairman also gets a miscellaneous income of $250 per month.

“I don’t think its wrong to raise the rate. My personal thing is, instead of putting ourselves in the position of giving ourselves raises, we hold our salaries in the same category of our employees. If they get a two percent increase, that’s what it should be. We need to take a look at that,” said Commissioner Charlie Sanow.

“It should be the same as our employees. If they get a raise, we should get one too — if there is no raise, that should be the same for the commissioners,” added Commissioner Gary Crowley.

“If you look at the averages around the area, we are way behind,” Commissioner Crowley added.

Commissioners are paid “per diem rates” for the meetings they attend. Most meetings pay them $65 per meeting. A district/state meeting pays $110 and a full-day with two more meetings also pays $110.

“We have 26 meetings and it is right at $600 per meeting. I feel comfortable where we are at,” said Commissioner Steve Ritter.

“That $600 isn’t just for the meeting — it also includes the emails we get and phone calls. I don’t like the term we’re getting $600 per meeting,” added Commissioner Crowley.

“The general public doesn’t understand all we put into it,” said Commissioner Ritter.

“You’re always on call — that’s just the way it is,” said Commissioner Sanow.

Grant comes through to help Twin Lakes Park Environmental Director Roger Schroeder told the board the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission has approved a Legacy Grant for $342,470 has been approved for improvements for the Twin Lakes Park near Florence.

“We are looking at probably mid-August when the funds will be made available,” said Schroeder.

The fund was requested for improvements and construction of the Phase Two development at Twin Lakes Park.

Trails, walking path and other developments will be aided by the grant funds. While the funding has been approved, Schroeder indicated it was wise to wait for the funds before initiating construction.

“We are very fortunate to have a designated regional park in this area.”

The county board approved sending a letter to the Minnesota State Legislature to thank them for approving funds for this project.

Byron Higgin

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