Ramsey County commissioners just got another raise.
The Ramsey County Board voted 3-2 Tuesday to increase commissioners’ take home pay by 2.5 percent next year, according to John Siqveland, spokesman for Ramsey County.
The jump mirrors the increase granted to the majority of Ramsey County employees in 2016.
Commissioners Blake Huffman and Janice Rettman voted against the raise. Commissioner Toni Carter was absent for the vote.
The increase inches commissioners’ salaries up from $88,000 to $90,000 in 2017. The board chair’s pay will climb from $91,000 to $93,000.
While commissioners have opted to forgo raises at various times in the past, forcing controversial “catch-up” votes in 1996, 2002 and 2007, the board in recent years has aimed to see its salaries go up gradually.
Commissioners approved a 2 percent salary increase last year.
An ordinance recently presented to the Ramsey County Board stated that it is the intent of commissioners to keep salary increases consistent with those given to the majority of county employees in the previous year. About 93 percent of Ramsey County employees saw their wages increase by 2.5 percent in 2016.
Hennepin County does the same thing.
By comparison, Hennepin County commissioners will earn about $108,000 in 2016. The board is expected to vote on a 2.5 percent increase in the fall.
Anoka County commissioners will make about $64,000 this year. Dakota County commissioners will make about $75,000.
