The first of probably two workshops was held Thursday morning to discuss compensation for elected officials in Orange County. The Commissioners Court reviewed about a half dozen suggested plans to more correctly or more evenly pay elected officials in the county.
During the more than one hour discussion by the Court and several elected officials in attendance the plans were reduced to just two that would be considered for possible implementation. One of the plans was worked up by County Judge Brint Carlton. It would have all elected officials paid at a similar level to place them at a fifth ranking with compensation of other counties in the same population range of between 50,000 to 99,000 citizens.
The other plan was designed by Human Resource Director Lori Ardoin with the assistance of Commissioner John Gothia. The two plans would mean an increase in the budget of between $125,000 to $115,000. Ardoin was attending training and was not able to be present at the workshop to answer questions or provide more details on her plan. It was recommended a second workshop be held to hear input from Ardoin.
Commissioner Barry Burton believes it is time the Court adopt new compensation for the county’s elected officials. Burton pointed out that counties do operate differently, but added a check of the current compensation for Orange County elected officials compared with those from other counties reveals that the situation needs to be addressed. “It is a job and you need to be paid for what you do,” Burton concluded.
No date was established for the next workshop.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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