Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: BOCC - Board of County Commissioners

Directors' Update: Feb. 5, 2025

Business Meeting: Feb. 11, 2025

Summary:

Update parameters for the Lewis County Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials (Salary Commission)

Publications:

Cover Letter To:

Additional Copies To:

Resolution

WHEREAS, salaries for county commissioners and councilmembers may be set by salary commissions established by ordinance or resolution as outlined in RCW 36.17.024; and

WHEREAS, the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) established the Lewis County Citizens’ Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials (“Salary Commission”) via Resolution 01-317 on Sept. 10, 2001; reconvened the Salary Commission via Resolution 19-152 on May 20, 2019; and now wishes to revise the parameters of the commission due to changes in state law; and

WHEREAS, for noncharter counties, such as Lewis County, Salary Commission members must be registered voters eligible to vote at the time persons are selected for appointment to full terms on the commission, and the following must occur (as per RCW 36.17.024):

• The county auditor must select, by lot, at least one commission member living in each commissioner's district.
• The county auditor must establish policies and procedures for conducting the selection by lot.
• By majority vote of the county legislative authority, additional commission members may be appointed. These additional commission members must be residents of the county. The persons selected under this subsection must have experience in the field of personnel management or a related field.
• The number of salary commission members selected by lot must constitute the majority of commission members.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the BOCC hereby rescinds and replaces Resolution 19-152 and establishes the parameters of the Lewis County Citizens’ Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials (“Salary Commission”) as outlined in RCW 36.17.024:

• The county auditor must select, by lot, at least one commission member living in each commissioner's district.
• The county auditor must establish policies and procedures for conducting the selection by lot. 
• By majority vote of the county legislative authority, additional commission members may be appointed. These additional commission members must be residents of the county. The persons selected under this subsection must have experience in the field of personnel management or a related field.
• The number of salary commission members selected by lot must constitute the majority of commission members

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Lewis County Citizens’ Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials (“Salary Commission”) is empowered, as provided for by law, to establish the salary and compensation for the Board of County Commissioners of Lewis County.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 11th day of February, 2025.