Earlier this year, the Erie County Legislature approved raises for the Erie County Executive, Comptroller, and Sheriff. In approving the raises, the Legislature Majority also provided for these positions to receive annual raises based on the Consumer Price Index.

The Citizens Salary Review Commission is required to be empaneled every two years by the Erie County Executive, and present a report and recommendations to the Erie County Legislature; however, it was not called between 2104 and 2018.  The County Executive is responsible for appointing a majority of the commission, while other elected officials also have appointments. Due to the recently passed annual raises, there could be a disincentive to empanel the Salary Review Commission, since annual raises have already been approved.

Legislator Lorigo said, “While I was not supportive of raising elected officials salaries this year, I was even more opposed to providing automatic annual raises tied to the Consumer Price Index. Once these raises go into effect, what County Executive would want to empanel a new Citizens Salary Review Commission that could take them away?  This ill-advised recommendation should never have gone into effect, and I believe the right thing to do is provide a check on government power that ensures a Citizens Salary Review Commission is empaneled every two years.  Furthermore, if raises were attached to the CPI the last time the County Executive’s pay was raised, that salary would equal $180,000 in the year 2020—more than $70,000 higher than the current recommended increase.  Annual raises are irresponsible and disrespectful to taxpayers.  Something must be done to ensure elected officials’ salaries stay in check. ”

The amended law was referred to the Government Affairs Committee for further discussion. A copy of it can be viewed here.