Lyon County commissioners vote themselves a raise

YERINGTON - Four out of five Lyon County Commissioners voted to raise their pay by 4 percent a year for the next four years.

Commissioner Don Tibbals was the only negative vote on the proposal, which increases commissioner salaries from $22,797 to $23,709. Commissioners also receive health and retirement benefits.

Lyon County interim manager Bob Hadfield recommended approval of the pay increase, citing the higher increases given to other elected county officials by the state Legislature.

"Your raises were much smaller than the other raises granted," he said.

Commission Chairman Phyllis Hunewill said she voted against the last raise four years ago, but supported this one. In July 2003, the board voted themselves a 26.65 percent increase.

"It's only going to affect the budget by $6,000," she said. "After the last few years, I think we deserve this raise."

The budget that was approved in May allows for the increase.

The raise is higher than that given many county employees.

A contract with the Lyon County Employee Association, which represents general county employees, allows for a 2.5 percent pay increases for the next fiscal year and 2 percent for fiscal year 2008-2009.

Employees will, however, receive a 1 percent bonus on their current salaries if the ending-fund balance comes in next May at $150,000 or more above what was budgeted.