County commissioners to vote on salary increases in two weeks

Clark County commissioners on Tuesday directed staff to bring back a proposal that would increase commissioners’ $72,488 annual salaries.

The proposal, which faces a vote in two weeks, would increase commissioner pay to $80,008 by January by giving commissioners the annual 4 percent raises they suspended in 2009 and 2010 when the recession hit.

The proposal also would restore a 2 percent pay cut that commissioners voted to take in 2011.

Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani said the pay increases are appropriate as the economy has improved.

“It’s the right thing to do,” she said.

Under the proposal, commissioners’ salaries would increase in July to $76,930. That is the 2009 salary level. In January, their pay would increase again to $80,008, the 2010 salary level.

The 2009 and 2010 salary levels for commissioners were set in a schedule the commission approved in 2007 that had annual 4 percent raises through 2010.

The last time commissioners had a pay increase was in July 2008, when they went from a $71,126 annual salary to $73,971. Commissioners are making less than that now because of the 2 percent salary cut in 2011.

The proposal also gives commissioners the ability to opt out of the increases. Commissioners Mary Beth Scow and Susan Brager indicated an interest in opting out.

Contact reporter Ben Botkin at bbotkin@reviewjournal. com or 702-405-9781.