OK Co. Commissioners Freeze Salaries Despite New Law Allowing Raise

By Adrianna Iwasinski, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma County Commissioners made the decision to institute a freeze on their current salaries Thursday. The freeze will take place despite a new law that allows for elected county officials to raise their salaries. The revision could give elected county officials the maximum pay raise allowed by law.

There has been much confusion over the law, which does not take effect until November 1. The new law changed just one word. Instead of saying the salaries of all county officers "may" be increased, it was changed to "shall" be increased. Some elected county officials have voiced concerns over the law, stating it would not be wise to take a raise in a time when many public agencies are facing serious budget cuts.

Commanche County Commissioner Ron Kirby was chastised by several county officials when he tried to raise his salary and those of other elected officials last month before the new law took effect. Kirby quickly retracted the raises.

Last week, Oklahoma County Commissioner Ray Vaughn sent an e-mail to address the issue and propose a freezing of salaries during the next budget board meeting.

This week, fellow Oklahoma County Commissioner Brian Maughan went on national news stating his opposition to the law.

This will be the third year in a row that Oklahoma County elected officials have chosen not to take a pay raise. County elected officials salaries are based on the following three things:

1. A base salary

2. Valuations of property taxes

3. Population

Commissioners state that despite the change in the law, another section in the law does give them discretion to freeze salaries and not take the pay raise the new law allows.

"We want to do the very best job for our taxpayers at the very least possible expense," said Oklahoma County Commissioner Willa Johnson.

Oklahoma County is the largest of the 77 counties in the state, which is reflected in county officials' salaries. Oklahoma County commissioners currently make more than $100,000 a year.

County officials said the salary freeze is the latest measure they've instituted to try to slow their spending. They've already reduced the county budget by almost 7 percent.

More:

1-Word Controversy Over Raises for County Commissioners Continues
1 Word Could Make All the Difference for County Elected Officials' Pay Increases