By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Commissioner Ron Sellers provided a proposed resolution to the Board of Reno County Commissioners Tuesday that would cut commissioners pay, if there ends up being more of them.
"It's a resolution amending the salaries for the Board of County Commissioners in 2023," Sellers said. "The gist of it is that, in the event that the electors of Reno County approve a change in the number of commission districts from three to five, with the annual salary for each of the board of county commissioners effective for the pay period commencing January 8, 2023 shall be $10,800, subject to the budget."
Sellers then provided some background.
"The County Commission on October 5, 1998, via resolution 1998-36, established the office of County Administrator," Sellers said. "It's my feeling, very strongly, that at that point in time, the duties of the county commissioners changed. Prior to that time, there was no county administrator."
County Commission pay prior to the establishment of an administrator was $35,981. It was then changed to $18,000 a year.
"If the voters of Reno County approve the November 2 ballot issue, there will be less time spent by each commissioner," Sellers said. "I think we'll have a better commission and I've stated why before. I'd like for us to debate and consider this resolution at the next meeting."
The next meeting is October 12 at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Annex.