So Nye County Commissioners want a raise… but do they deserve it?

At Nye County’s June 18th Board Meeting, County Commissioners will debate over whether they should lobby the State of Nevada to increase their pay to $75,000. That will more than double the $32,000 they are currently paid. Since County Commissioners have significant responsibilities the question of what amounts to fair compensation is often debated, but do they deserve it?

Arguably, raises can be beneficial. More money could mean better qualified candidates, an increase in dedication and performance, reduced corruption, and without periodic adjustment the real value of their compensation diminishes over time. But double???

Is this the same BOCC that walked the County into fiscal watch? Wasn’t it just last meeting that the BOCC was crying poor and dissolving a department that actually made the County money to the tune of millions of dollars? Aren’t these the ones responsible for the recent Mediwaste debacle and the awful roads in Nye County?

If performance is a factor in this decision, maybe we should be discussing a pay cut?

I am skeptical the public has much to gain from this increase. There is no guarantee that it will lead to improved performance or reduced corruption. Other factors, such as ethical standards and the motivation to actually do the work associated with the job, are more likely a product of personality rather than money.

Ultimately, there is an argument for some increase to keep up with inflation, but DOUBLING the salary feels excessive. There is also the matter of burying the item in the agenda which seems like they were trying to put another one past the public without their notice. That feels underhanded and isn’t conservative. If there is extra money floating around, why not be old-fashioned and return it to the taxpayer or invest it into a few more pothole repairs?

...end of rant. For now.