Of 28 department managers who lead Nevada County's government, all but one declined a pay raise this year, recognizing the financial conditions that have led to layoffs and reduced hours for county employees.

Elected Assessor Dale Flippin will be the only department head taking a raise — 3 percent beginning July 1. That move comes even as his own office staff has been affected by the layoffs.

In 2008-09, Flippin took home $119,475 annually. With the raise, he will earn just over $123,000.

In 2008-09, the assessor's office left three vacant positions unfilled because the county's budget for the general fund was down, partly because of lower property and sales tax revenue. In addition, three people will lose their jobs in the assessor's office on July 1.

On Tuesday, Nevada County supervisors approved a 2009-10 budget reduced by $5.6 million, or 3 percent, from the previous year. As a result, 64 positions are being cut.

While he supports the decision of his colleagues, Flippin said he would like to have more choice over how a voluntary pass on his salary increase would be spent by the county.

“This is not an issue of greed for me or even about the money. I really do believe giving up that pay raise is like donating to the general fund of the county,” Flippin said.

“I would prefer to make my own decisions on how to best share with the community rather than have the county do that for me,” Flippin added.

The assessor's move has raised the ire of some residents.

“I think he needs to buck up,” said Michelle Newbon, who with her husband bought a home on Nevada City's Nimrod Street three years ago.

“I feel like we've bucked up, because we bought at the height” of the market, Newbon said. “My gut feeling is when we're all trying to move through this economic downturn, it's best if we all can collaborate to the same degree.”

Newbon's home has been re-assessed at a lower value that will be applied to her tax statement in December, she added.

To contact Laura Brown, e-mail lbrown@theunion.com or call 477-4231.