MARQUETTE -- Marquette County Commissioners came up short in making a decision Tuesday night on some county officials' salaries. After several motions to reduce or keep it the same, commissioners just couldn't agree on the right amount. The salary that centered the debate was that of the Marquette County Prosecuting Attorney.
The current pay is around $118,000 and has been the same since 2002. But some of those commissioners are asking for a $20,000 reduction. That's because labor negotiations will no longer be part of that job description. The duties were added back in 2001 when former prosecutor Gary Walker held the position. But other commissioners said that due to the job responsibility, inflation, and cost of living in the county, the salary should remain over $100,000.
Current Prosecutor Matt Wiese says the pay should reflect the responsibilities.
"I think the compensation, where it's currently at, is fair, I think it's adequate. I can understand why the board may want to reduce it. I'm satisfied with whether the result ended up tonight with a decrease to $110,000," said Wiese.
The board is expected to make a decision at their next meeting in two weeks. Other salaries to make a decision on, as well, are those of the county's mine inspector and drain commissioner.