County elected officials salaries approved

By MaryHelen Swanson
The Chisago County Board of Commissioners, in one of the final actions of 2002, Dec. 30, settled on salaries for the elected county officials.
County Auditor Dennis Freed will receive $75,512 in 2003, up 2.5 percent (COLA - cost of living - increase) from 2002.
County Treasurer Lee Olson will receive $58,667, again up the 2.5 percent cost of living increase. County Administrator Jim Thoreen noted at the meeting last week that Olson feels his salary should be adjusted to take into account the extra duties he does as part of the budget staff. Thoreen said he agreed with Olson, however, he also noted that Olson shared with him that he (Olson) doesnít believe this year, given the financial stress the county faces, is the right time for an adjustment other than the 2.5 percent COLA.
The board agreed to set new county attorney Katherine Johnsonís salary at $78,000, a figure recommended by Commissioner Mike Robinson. Commissioner Ben Montzka had recommended a salary of $60,000. Commissioner Bob Vande Kamp had recommended $75,800 based on Johnsonís experience.
The board studied a list of county attorney salaries from other counties and years the attorneys have served their counties.
Administrator Thoreen noted that using population as a measuring device to compare counties may not give an accurate portrayal of case loads, special needs or unique circumstances that affect the attorneyís offices.
Isanti Countyís attorney, with seven years of service receives $78,182. Benton Countyís attorney, with one year receives $78,800.
The commissioners voted 4-1 to accept the $78,000 recommendation. Commissioner Montzka was opposed.
Ted Alliegro, who was county attorney last year, and who chose not to file for re-election, plans to return to his former position of assistance county attorney II for Chisago County. The assistant county attorney II position salary, with a 2.5 percent COLA, will be $73,570 for 2003. In deciding on the salary for the new county attorney, it was suggested that the salary should not be lower than the departmentís other staff.
In November, the residents of Chisago County elected Todd Rivard as their new sheriff. Rivard, who was chief deputy in 2003, received a salary of $67,556.
The salary he will receive as sheriff will be what former sheriff Randy Schwegman received plus the 2.5 COLA increase, or $79,583.

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