County commissioners give up cost-of-living raise for year

Clark County commissioners voted to forgo a 4 percent cost-of-living raise for a year, saying they want to set an example to county employees being asked to take smaller pay raises in the tough economy.

Commissioner Rory Reid proposed waiving the pay increases due in July. With little discussion, the commission approved freezing their salaries at the current level for the coming fiscal year.

"I've never been one to ask my employees to do something that I wasn't willing to do," Commissioner Steve Sisolak said.

Commissioners earn about $74,000 a year. Forgoing the pay raises will save the county $3,000 per commissioner for a total of $21,000.

That will hardly put a dent in the estimated $126 million budget shortfall, making it a gesture that commissioners say is symbolic but necessary.

The action won't affect the 2 percent longevity pay that commissioners Reid and Tom Collins receive. State law requires longevity pay to stay in place.

Last month, union workers agreed to reduce their cost-of-living raises to 1 percent from 3 percent and cap merit raises at 4 percent instead of 5 percent.

Nonunion employees and managers also agreed to either trim or forgo their pay raises.

The savings add up to $18 million when you count reduced labor costs at departments supported by user fees instead of property taxes, county officials say.

Any cost-cutting is welcome, given that a list of legislative bills could compound financial problems, County Manager Virginia Valentine said.

Some legislative actions would compel the county to hire a half-dozen judges, divert a portion of property tax revenue to the state and slice funding for social services, Valentine said.

Seven bills alone could cost the county $142 million, said Don Burnette, the county's chief administrative officer.

"This is not an exhaustive list," Burnette said.

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