Supervisors consider salaries for elected officials

BUTLER COUNTY – The Board of Supervisors of Butler County met in regular session on Feb. 14. Chairman Greg Barnett called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m.

​During the meeting, the Supervisors discussed salaries for elected officials and non-elected, non-deputy employees in light of the Compensation Board’s recent recommendations. “I respect everyone here. It’s hard having to play both sides of this. This is the hardest thing I have to do every year. I respect the Compensation Board’s suggestions but we have to watch what we’re spending the County taxpayers’ dollars for,” said Barnett. 

​Council member Rusty Eddy made a motion to lower the salaries 40 percent from the Compensation Board’s recommendation, bringing elected officials from a 10 percent raise to a six percent raise and bringing the sheriff from a 13 percent raise to a nine percent raise. A roll call was taken after the motion, all ayes. 

​After the meeting, Eddy commented on the motion, saying, “it’s not an easy decision to make when you’re in a room full of people. I respect all the people in the room, but I ultimately have a responsibility to the people who elected me. I just couldn’t visualize a 10 to 13 percent raise for some people. We want to make sure we’re all equal, which is why we brought it down six percent all across the board. Granted, that’s still below the cost of living. Not many people work in Butler County for the incredible pay. They come here for the stability and long term benefits.” 

​During the time for public comment, Dave Kuehner, Butler County Attorney, shared that he met with Matt Richardson of the Navigator pipeline project. Richardson shared an easement because the pipeline is to go over a bike trail. Richardson is making a pitch to the Conservation Board and will make a pitch to the Board of Supervisors in the near future.

​Leslie Groen, Butler County Auditor, shared some new information regarding the Senate File 181 timeline. Groen shared that the file moved through its respected sub-committees. It is expected to pass through the House on Wednesday and to be signed by the Governor on Friday. Once passed, this file will change the budget deadlines from March 31 to April 30. 

​In regards to this file’s impact on the maximum property tax levy, the County does not have any certain numbers at this point in time. As of right now, it is continuing as normal until it hears otherwise. 

​“We need to get something in the paper in case this doesn’t get extended,” said Barnett in regards to the possibility of the levy being unaltered. 

​The Board considered a proposed max levy for publishing as of right now. “A lot of logistics up in the air affect the current budget,” shared Groen. The Board decided on a 3.6 percent max levy for publishing. The public hearing for the max levy will be held on March 7 at 9:00 a.m.

​A public hearing for the E911 tower land acquisition will be held on March 14 at 9:00 a.m.

​The meeting was adjourned at 9:27 a.m.