Dear Editor,
At the Feb. 20, 2024 meeting, the (Putnam County) Commission voted 3-1 (District 3 voted “Nay”) to adopt a new Ordinance, Section 2-54, which provides for the commissioner’s compensation.
For over a decade, the commissioner’s compensation was controlled by House Bill 300 which, in part, limited the per diem to 50 dollars per day. The new Ordinance potentially increases the per diem to 65 dollars per day, as provided in the County Travel Policy.
Further, the new Ordinance allows the commissioners to receive compensation for service on the boards of SWA and EPWSA.
While this change in compensation may seem trivial compared to the overall compensation package, it is an increase, nonetheless.
As quoted by former Chairman Billy Webster in his public comments, State law, O.C.G.A. 36-5-24 (b) (2), clearly states that “A county governing authority shall take no action to increase salary, compensation, expenses, or expenses in the nature of compensation until notice of intent … and the fiscal impact … has been published … for three consecutive weeks …” No notice of the “fiscal impact” was published before the Commission took action.
The Commission had previously been made aware of the requirements of State law in several emails. Despite the forewarning, the Commission proceeded to adopt the new Ordinance potentially in violation of State law. I voted “No” on the basis of a potential violation of State law.
Perhaps the larger question is, Why? Is this just for a few dollars more, or is it to have local control over the other elements of the commissioner’s compensation?
Steve Hersey, District 3 Commissioner