BOCC approves District Court Judge's salary increase

POMEROY–The Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC) heard arguments for and against District Court Judge salary increase and approval, and Fairground fee schedule updates, and approved Resolution 2020-23.

Resolution 2020-23 Treasures Change Fund increase to $500 was approved. The fund presently holds $200 cash on hand for transactions, which was established on February 20, 1980. The fund will increase to $500 in 2021.

The District Court Judge’s salary increase from 25% to 30% for 2021 was approved by the BOCC.

The Commissioners took into consideration the amount of time the District Court Judge spends on each case and the education and experience a particular judge brings to the position. They also affirm the salary Garfield County presently offers to the District Court Judge position is significantly behind other counties. The BOCC decided to conservatively increase the District Court Judge salary by thirty percent. The incoming board and its new members will then evaluate future increases to bring it to a competitive and compensating salary.

The BOCC gave permission to the Garfield County Fair Board to establish a fee schedule for the fairgrounds which will address gate passes and RV parking fees.

Sara Lunsford, Garfield County Fair Board President stated fair ticket increases for one-day passes for adult $8, Jr. $5, Sr. $5; three-day adult $15 and a Family all-fair pass $30. In addition, Fairground RV parking for peak season, May 15–October 31 will cost $40 per night, off-peak parking is set at $30 per night. Reservations can be made at the County Extension Office starting June 1 on a first come, first served basis with 50% down and the balance due on or before September 1. Additionally, a wait list will be carried to fill cancellations.

Commissioner and Board Chairman Justin Dixon assigned Lunsford, the incoming Extension Office manager and one of the County Commissioners the task of developing an updated fairground fee schedule for approval by the BOCC.

The December 14 Minutes were approved, but a hold was placed on the December 7 Minutes pending further information from an outside source.