'Whatever we do, we'll get shot at'

Future raises for the Nevada County supervisors could be reviewed by the county's civil grand jury.

In an unusual move, the Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to ask grand jurors to review a proposal for future raises and benefit packages. Normally, the grand jury investigates complaints from county residents about government, and is not charged to handle daily county business or things like salary negotiations.

"Whatever we do, we'll get shot at ... but this is a full-time job," said Supervisor Hank Weston about the possible political fallout of a raise for board members. "A neutral or independent party needs to review this."

The proposal uses the same formula that incrementally increased salaries for most county employees and elected officials. Those raises went into effect in June and continue over the next five years for a total increase of 14 percent.

At the time supervisors approved those raises, Assistant County Executive Officer Laura Matteson said the county could afford the additional expense despite flattening tax revenues in the wake of the real estate downturn.

The June pay hikes did not increase benefits for elected officials, and the supervisors would not see any benefit hikes either if the same plan is used, Matteson said.

Acting on his own idea, Supervisor Ted Owens made the motion to send the proposal to the grand jury, and the remaining four supervisors joined him.

"This is an uncomfortable and untenable position to be in," Owens said before his motion. "I would like to get this off the table."

Although he was for the grand jury review, Supervisor Nate Beason noted the board ultimately would have to vote on the matter.

The board's last raise came on July 1, 2006, when members received a 2 percent increase - the first raise in three years at the time. Terms for four board members end next year: Ted Owens, Sue Horne, John Spencer and Beason.

The supervisors currently make $39,447 per year, Matteson said. The board chairman (currently Spencer) makes 5 percent more, or $41,419 annually.

If board members approve the pay hike for themselves, their salaries would rise to $40,236 the first year; $41,041 the second year; $42,272 the third; $43,540 the fourth; and $45,282 for the fifth year.

The board chair's salary would rise to $42,247 the first year; $43,092 the second; $44,385 the third; $45,717 the fourth; and $47,006 the fifth year.

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To contact Senior Staff Writer Dave Moller, e-mail davem@theunion.com or call 477-4237.