By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – The Benton County Compensation Board voted to “hold the budget flat” and recommended no salary increases for county elected officials at their meeting held Thursday, Nov. 13, at the service center in Vinton.

The compensation board consists of citizens chosen by elected officials, who make the salary recommendation. This is a major part of the budget process for the next fiscal year.

There was about 50 minutes of discussion by the board and officials prior to the unanimous recommendation. They looked at the impact this has on deputies in the offices of elected officials. Deputies base their salary on 85 percent of the elected officials’ salaries. 

They also pointed out that union officials will be getting an increase. 

Others looked at the impact of the increase in the cost of living. 

Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman said he is hoping to lower the budget. He added there are a couple of entities in the county who have had a free-will spending spree the last couple of years. He predicted they won’t be happy with him about getting their “wings clipped.” Seeman said he has one year left in his term and if people want him back, he’s going to run again.