Hennepin County Board of Commissioners vote to give selves 49% raise, WCCO News 8/1/24

. . . Right now, Hennepin County Commissioners make $122,225 a year. It's been that way since 2016. But starting next year, it jumps to $182,141 a year. It's an increase of 49%.

The board approved the raise in a 4-2 vote. Chair Irene Fernando proposed the increase. The raises would kick in on Jan. 1, 2025.

Based on a market analysis, she said it puts them on the low end of what assistant county administrators earn. She said it also makes their salaries more competitive and equitable compared to peer jurisdictions.

. . . For context, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is eligible to earn $149,550. He instead chose the lower amount of $127,629.

While there was some division about their proposed raise, the county board voted unanimously to increase the salaries of the Hennepin County attorney and sheriff.

Both will make $218,272 starting next year. Sheriff Dawanna Witt is currently making $185,775, while Attorney Mary Moriarty is making $195,065.