Commissioners' pay

Ector County commissioners approved a 3 percent pay raise for all county employees and elected officials Tuesday morning at their 2008-'09 budget hearing.

The raise takes effect Oct. 1.

Commissioners and County Judge Susan Redford pushed for the raise in light of increased fuel costs and food prices.

Redford said the commissioners court hadn't planned any raises for 2008-'09, but after analyzing appraisal district numbers and cost-of-living numbers, she believes the additional $600,000 it'll take to cover the raise is justified.

"Fuel costs relate to everything else, so I know our employees certainly deserve a cost-of-living increase," commissioner Freddie Gardner said.

Commissioner Greg Simmons, the raise's only naysayer, warned the court to be careful. He reminded commissioners that the county will have to shoulder a 7 percent increase in insurance costs next year, and about half of all employees will see a 5 percent pay raise as part of the county's step-pay program.

Redford said the 5 percent increase has already been budgeted for 2008-'09.

"I think it's a wonderful idea," District Clerk Janis Morgan said after the hearing. "The cost of living has increased considerably recently. It's just going to be a huge help, and it's greatly, greatly appreciated."

Commissioners also approved giving retirees a boost for the first time ever. It'll cost about $191,000 for the county to give its retirees a pay increase based on what it pays into the Texas County and District Retirement System. The county will increase its contribution by just less than 1 percent.

Redford said the increase will be retroactive to when the former worker was first hired.

"Our retirees are hurting," commissioner Barbara Graff said. "They've just been overlooked for too long."

COMMISSIONER PAY

The 3 percent raise for county commissioners marks the fourth straight year the commissioners have gotten a raise. Here's a look at their salaries in the past five fiscal years:

>> 2008-'09: $43,835 proposed.

>> 2007-'08: $42,559.

>> 2006-'07: $37,894.

>> 2005-'06: $33,240.

>> 2004-'05: $30,224.

They also receive an annual car allowance of $5,400.

Source: Budgets posted on the county website.

AT A GLANCE

>> What: 3 percent pay increase for all county employees and pay increases for retirees.

>> When: Goes into effect Oct. 1.

>> Where: Approved at this morning's county budget hearing.

>> Cost: It'll take $600,000 to cover the pay increase and about $191,000 to cover the retirees' raise.