Commission Selects The Arnold Group to Study Elected Officials' Salaries

The Saline County Commission has chosen The Arnold Group to conduct a study on the salaries of five countywide elected officials. The decision was made during the September 17, 2024 commission meeting.

County Administrator Philip Smith-Hanes presented the recommendation to the commission. He explained that the county received six responses to their request for proposals (RFP) for this study. The Arnold Group's proposal stood out for two reasons: it was the lowest-cost option at approximately $2,200, and it offered the shortest time frame for completion.

Smith-Hanes noted that The Arnold Group is a firm the county's HR department currently works with and has experience with cities and counties around the state. He also mentioned that other officials have praised the firm's work in other locations.

The study will focus on the five countywide elected officials who serve dual roles as both elected representatives and administrators of county departments. The purpose is to determine whether these officials should be compensated more like elected officials or department heads.

Commissioner Vidricksen expressed reservations about the study, stating he had been "against this pay proposal thing" for some time. However, the commission ultimately voted 3-1 to approve the selection of The Arnold Group.

The study is expected to be completed before the end of the year. After its completion, the commission will discuss potential changes to the current compensation process and implementation timelines.