Elected officials attending the Uintah County Commission meeting on Monday were surprised to learn of a proposed resolution to reduce their salaries, with several stating this was the first they had heard of the proposal. A public hearing and Resolution 01-07-2019 were listed on the agenda under the title ‘Elected Official Salary Adjustment’. After reading from the Resolution, Commissioner Bill Stringer explained that the salaries of the Sheriff and County Attorney would remain the same because of the complexity and responsibilities their positions hold but that the remaining positions, including the Commissioners, Assessor, Clerk/Auditor, Recorder, and Treasurer would be lowered to $85,000. When the meeting was opened to public comment, several elected officials stood and shared their concerns and questions, stating they felt “taken back” and didn’t understand the purpose and what the money will be used for. Commissioner Stringer stated that they had met with most of the elected officials and that the rational is to consider the economy when determining salaries. Chief Deputy Attorney Jonathan Stearmer stated at the beginning that the Resolution shared was not the same draft that he had. One of the questions Stearmer had concerned Mike Wilkins consolidated position as Clerk/Auditor and the consideration of his pay according to Utah Code. Other concerns were shared by members of the public as well as by other county employees including Economic Development Director Sylvia Wilkins who felt worried about other local economic impacts this could have. After all input was received, Commissioner Stringer said he felt the Commission needed to better investigate Utah Code before making a motion. The other Commissioners agreed and the topic was tabled. The audio of the meeting is posted at
www.pmn.utah.gov
under Entity: Uintah County and Body: County Commissioners with this agenda item
beginning at about 2
hours 6 minutes. During the meeting, the Commission also suspended Policy 450, that has to do with benefit continuation of elected officials after leaving office. Both agenda items will tentatively be revisited during the
February 25th
Commission meeting.
