KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Members of the Kalamazoo County Road Commission haven’t had a raise in 30 years, but Kalamazoo County commissioners are split on whether they deserve a pay hike.
The five member Road Commission of Kalamazoo County board has asked for about 10% more. Commissioners are paid just under $10,000 per year, with the Chair and Vice Chair making a little more. They even offered to pay for the hike from their own budget.
But County Commissioner Jen Strebs says the appointed board has not been very responsive to community concerns in her district and wondered if they should be elected instead of appointed, to make them more accountable to the public.
Commissioner Dale Shugars says the road commission fixes roads in the townships, but most voters are in the cities, which could result in undue urban influence on where road repair money goes.
Shugars suggested Road Commissioner board members not only get a raise, but an automatic cost of living increase each year as well.
County Commissioner Fran Bruder Melgar says the board is already paid more than almost every other county pays its road commissioners.
Almost every other Kalamazoo County official and employee will be getting substantial raises next year. The county Board of Commissioners will take a vote on the request at their first meeting in December.
(reporting by John McNeill)
