Show 7 living cost l raise given county workers is-dy is ff Uintah County Commissioners Commissioners Com Com- missioners gave final approval Tuesday for a seven percent across the board of living raise for all county employees and elected officials A two- two hour public hearing was held Monday afternoon to hear input on the wage issue Commissioner Roland Merkley clarified his stand by saying he voted for the increase for everyone but he excluded l himself He lie said he had made pre-election pre commitments saying he would not vote himself a raise when elected Commissioners Burke and Domgaard voted for a raise for everyone AT TilE THE WAGE increase hearing attended by about 40 persons two factions were evident County department heads stated they need the raise to retain their help and when compared with other areas and positions the county pay scale is below what is paid elsewhere The other general consensus was that the county should tighten up and economize and not give the seven percent raise Farmers told of their put hard-put financial conditions The raise taken two years ago was thought to be sufficient by others A point was made that elected officials know what they will be paid before they are elected and this should be sufficient they should not be given a raise after being elected Former Commissioners Orlan Cook and Warren Richardson both said they thought the raise was deserved and should be approved Commissioner Melvin Burke conducted the meeting and said the statements would be considered considered considered con con- in making the final decision |