KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Some Kalamazoo County commissioners don’t think they are getting paid what they deserve and want big raises.
The subject was first broached at a special budget session last month. It resurfaced during a discussion of next year’s budget expenditures last week, with more commissioners expressing support for the idea.
Administrator Kevin Catlin says he is checking with other similar counties to see what they pay and surveyed local commissioners on what they think is fair.
That number would be about a 33% increase, on top of the 22% raise they gave themselves two years ago.
Commissioner Monteze Morales thinks it should be higher than that.
She says the public doesn’t understand how hard the job is.
A final decision on salaries won’t come until next year’s budget is finalized this fall.
Catlin says he will do more research on what and how other county commissioners in the state are compensated. Some also receive per diems, mileage and other supplemental payments which can inflate their paychecks.
None of the commissioners objected to the pay hike, but several insisted that whatever they decide, that it be made clear to the public what they will be earning.
The timing of the discussion could make salaries a campaign issue this fall, with all county board seats up for election in November.
Kalamazoo and Portage city elected leaders make around $8,000 to $11,000 per year, depending on the seat they hold. Kalamazoo Public Schools trustees receive no salaries.
The county commission is already the highest paid local elected board, with commissioners earning $18,431, the vice chair making $19,824, and the chair earning $21,197.
Catlin says county commissioners in Wayne County, which includes the entire city of Detroit, earn about $61,000 per year, Kent County commissioners earn just a little more than Kalamazoo County commissioners, but their colleagues in most other midsized Michigan counties get smaller salaries.
Comments