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Show Editorial . . Check Out County Raises Before Making Judgement With costs rising everywhere its not too surprising to find salaries of the county's elected officials taking a jump. And some of them have taken what appears to be a sizeable jump. Commissioners, county clerk, assessor, recorder, treasurer, attorney and sheriff, along with their deputies and the justice of the peace will all be taking home bigger paychecks next year. Still, comparing the salaries of Garfield County's officials with those of their counterparts in nearby and simlarly classed counties, reveals that most local officials will nevertheless take home some of the lowest salaries in the state even with their new raise. County commissioners have the responsibility to set salaries for the elected officials including themselves always a difficult decision for anyone in the public eye. And while Garfield's commissioners seem to make comparable or even higher salaries than others in counties of a similar class, close examination of what local taxpayers are getting for their money is revealing. The county's hardworking commissioners have been successful in reducing the county's overall budget and keeping costs of operation down. The county now has the second lowest mill levy in the state. Some counties have hired administrative assistants to do the commissioners' legwork, help them with their ever increasing duties and the never-ending paperwork. But Garfield County commissioners are still doing their own, sometimes With three men to attend four meetings in four different directions. A large part of their time is spent trying to keep abreast of the. infinite studies, environmental impact, statements, and regulations that other governmental agehcies are forever releasing. Increased federal intervention in a county already suffocating from too much regulation, and a State that frequently refuses to acknowledge that any real estate south of Richfield is worthy of anything but trade-offs, makes their job one of continually attempting to thwart the next governmental thrust. With an election year coming up and some county positions up for grabs, citizens should be watching closely to see how well their county is being managed and how carefully their money is being spent. Just as private business is facing more months of belt-tightening moves, so will government at every level be forced to look for greater efficiency. Before jumping to conclusions about increases in salary for local government officials or their deputies, taxpayers should first make an effort to discover how well the job is being done. Spend a little time in the courthouse. Attend a few commission meetings. Talk to elected officials about their jobs and observe how their time is being spent. Then make a decision based on sound judgement yours. , ' |