Commissioners revisit elected officials salaries for next four years

By Lucy Jane Crimm
Posted 5/10/22

Every four years, the first commissioner’s meeting in May is the time to revisit the salaries for Park County elected officials. On April 19, Park County Assessor Pat Meyer proposed a …

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Commissioners revisit elected officials salaries for next four years

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Every four years, the first commissioner’s meeting in May is the time to revisit the salaries for Park County elected officials. On April 19, Park County Assessor Pat Meyer proposed a significant increase in elected officials’ salaries due to inflation the country is currently facing. 

But on May 3 there was some discussion on whether or not elected officials’ salaries raises are too high.

“My biggest concern is using too much of our budget at the top … instead of where we need it which is at the bottom. With that, I do not support this significant of an increase for elected employees,” Commissioner Lloyd Thiel said. “We only have so much money. Locking in for four years making two times as much as those employed under you, I cannot support with so much uncertainty [for the future].”

Park County elected officials have a much lower salary compared to other counties in Wyoming. It was pointed out, an increase could bring interest from more qualified candidates in the future — especially with the lack of people to fill positions for the county. 

“Park County lags behind on the compensation for our employees. We haven’t been able to attract high quality workers…. Some of the applicants aren’t even qualified because the pay isn’t there,” Commissioner Joe Tilden said.

The commissioners decided an increase in salary was due for each of the elected positions, excluding the commissioners, but not as significant of an increase as was proposed by Meyer. The salary for the county assessor, clerk, treasurer, and clerk of courts was set at $94,000. The county sheriff salary was set at $94,000, county attorney salary was set at $115,000 and county coroner salary was set at $44,000. The commissioners’ salaries are to remain the same at $36,174.

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