Longevity pay ending for some

Constables and justices of the peace who take office in the future will receive no longevity pay.

Clark County commissioners voted Tuesday to phase out longevity raises for such officials. The change won't affect those already in office.

Commissioner Steve Sisolak suggested cutting longevity pay for future officers, saying they should make concessions just as other county employees have.

His proposal to eliminate longevity pay for future justices of the peace sparked a debate. Ann Zimmerman, chief justice of the peace for Las Vegas Township Justice Court, opposed the move.

"We consider it as part of our salary," Zimmerman said.

Justices don't get cost-of-living raises or clothing allowances, nor do they accrue sick leave or vacation time, which can be cashed in after they finish office, she said.

The change would have no effect for five years, the time when newly elected justices would have qualified for longevity raises, Zimmerman said. It will save a little more than $350,000 in the next decade, she added, arguing that the savings overall are modest.

Justices' salaries range from $153,000 to $184,000, depending on tenure. Longevity pay is capped after 10 years of service. The cap prevents justices' wages from becoming a "runaway cost," Zimmerman said.

Justice Courts cover costs with fines and fees they impose and inject an extra
$30 million into the county's general fund, she said.

Commissioner Tom Collins said he didn't want to contribute to the "downward spiral" of public employee wages and standard of living. Longevity pay acts as a lure for talent.

"So we get good judges running for office," Collins said.

But Commissioner Larry Brown said longevity raises are an outdated way to keep workers in the public sector. It seems unlikely that prospective justices would shun the post because there is no longevity pay, he said.

Commissioner Susan Brager said workers shouldn't get compulsory raises simply for time served. As a commissioner, she has received no pay raises for four years, she said.

"I'm not asking them for anything I haven't done," Brager said.

Contact reporter Scott Wyland at swyland@reviewjournal.com or 702-455-4519.