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February 10, 2012

Grand Traverse freezes pay for officials

Inman: Probably a revenue shortfall of $600K-plus in 2013

By Bill O'Brien bobrien@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — Grand Traverse County plans to freeze elected officials' salaries and eliminate a car allowance in 2013 because of continued uncertainty over its revenue stream.

The county typically sets officials' pay rates in the fall, but pushed ahead its decision this year so salary levels would be known before 2012 election filing deadlines begin in mid-May.

Board Chairman Larry Inman said early projections for 2013 show a revenue shortfall of more than $600,000, though that figure could reach $1 million or more, depending on property tax appeals now pending at the state level.

Officials believe it's no time for pay increases.

"We've had lower revenues over the past several years," Inman said. "Until revenues stabilize, I think elected officials should take a leadership role."

Pay and benefits for most county workers are covered by labor contracts, but county board members set salaries for elected officials, including themselves. Judicial salaries are set by the state. Elected officials received a 1.75 percent pay increase this year after a 1.5 percent hike in 2011. Salaries also were frozen in 2010.

The county board's annual pay rate hasn't changed since 2001, but commissioners also receive per-diem pay and mileage, health insurance and other benefits.

The county will eliminate a $450 monthly car allowance for the prosecutor, clerk, treasurer, drain commissioner and register of deeds. County staff surveyed similar counties, including Midland, Allegan and Lenawee, and found no car allowances for elected officials. Grand Traverse officials will be paid standard mileage rates for using their own vehicles, beginning next year.

The county board will vote on finalizing those changes on Feb. 29.

County Clerk Linda Coburn said it's "not uncommon" for elected officials to receive no raises, although the board is prohibited by law from reducing salaries during an elected officials' term. Coburn noted her pay rate was unchanged upon her initial election in 1996.

"Mine was frozen when I started," she said. "I don't have a problem with it."

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