Douglas County Compensation Board 06/04/26

The Douglas County Compensation Board met on June 4, 2026, to discuss and recommend the compensation schedule for elected county officials for the fiscal year 2026-27. Key procurement-related discussions focused on salary adjustments, cost-of-living increases (COLA), and compensation comparisons with other counties. The board approved a 2% COLA for most elected officials, including the sheriff, with a retroactive 3% COLA for county commissioners rejected by them last year. Special attention was given to the county surveyor position, recommending a 2% COLA plus an additional 5% raise to address recruitment challenges and align with state comparators. The treasurer's salary was set at one-third of the clerk and surveyor's pay, with a 2% COLA. The board also discussed compliance with Oregon ethics law regarding official compensation and benefits, approving a policy to include meals during training as part of official compensation to avoid violations. Public comments highlighted the importance of continuing education and fair compensation for elected officials. Overall, the meeting centered on setting fair and competitive salaries for elected officials to support recruitment and retention while adhering to statutory and ethical guidelines.