Supervisors discuss pay raises

Carson City supervisors are presented Thursday with a question most people would envy. Should they raise their own salaries?

Under a bill approved by the Nevada Legislature, supervisors are permitted to increase their own pay by no more than 26.5 percent.

Commissioners in Washoe, Douglas and Storey counties have already voted to increase their salaries. Lyon County commissioners are scheduled to discuss pay increases today.

Supervisor Robin Williamson said that while it is awkward to discuss salaries, she thinks it is appropriate to raise their pay.

"I support it," she said. "I supported salary increases for the treasurer, assessor, recorder, the DA and the sheriff. I'm only a temporary occupant of this seat. We need to have some kind of salary that the position requires."

Williamson said the increase looks like a lot, but the base salary for a supervisor is $18,000.

"It is only really about $5,000 each," she said.

With the increase, supervisors would be paid $22,797 each. Williamson said it has been eight years since the last pay increase in 1995.

"I don't want just wealthy and retired people running for this office," she said. "I want it to be reflective of the community."

Williamson said that when she was talking to legislators, she told them that if they were going to cut anyone out of the pay raise it should be the commissioners.

Supervisor Pete Livermore said he supports the pay raise as well.

"We need to continue to keep this office filled with people who have the experience and background to function," he said. "Salaries need to be raised to attract quality people to the office."

IF YOU GO

What: Carson City supervisors meeting

When: 8:30 a.m. Thursday

Where: Community Center, Sierra Room, 851 E. William St.