Loudon County commissioners stay with 10 percent mayor pay
By: Pat Hunter
Citizens gathered around the Courthouse to protest a proposed 10 percent property tax increase and other budget concerns. Citizens of Blount County's Future spokesperson Linda King helped organize the protest. According to TV 6 citizens held signs, "Balance the budget by cutting expenses." She was quoted "I'm very happy that they voted for the certified rate of $2.04, but I'm very disappointed that they did not talk about cutting any of their budgets."
On Thursday, June 17th TV - 6 News reported that Blount County commissioners cut their own salaries by 10 percent. The motion was made by Commissioner Wendy Pitts Reeves and the motion passed by a 13-6 vote. "Blount County commissioners make $450 a month but starting in July, commissioners will bring home $45 less.
A couple of years ago, Loudon County Commission approved a sweetheart deal when it came to their pay. The Loudon County Commission approved a pay scale calculated on 10 percent of the Loudon County Mayor's salary, $660.83 monthly or $7,903. When the county mayor salary increases, the county commission pay automatically increases just like the federal government.
Loudon County Commissioners are also eligible for health insurance and retirement plan. The present pay for the County Mayor is $79,028.00 yearly and is based on the county's population, 2000 Census.
To see a comparison of other commission pay and benefits across the state, click to view the 2009 Commission Salary Schedule (public record). The Salary schedule was conducted
Click to view 2009 Commission Salary Survey pdf
Source: Survey conducted by the University of Tennessee County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) on behalf of the Tennessee County Commissioners Association, December 2009.
Click to view 2010-2011 Salary Schedule for County officials pdfCOUNTY MAYOR
Salary Schedule for Fiscal Year 2010-2011
Population Class 2010-2011
400,000 and more $123,476
275,000-399,999 $115,208
250,000-274,999 $108,212
225,000-249,999 $104,395
200,000-224,999 $100,579
175,000-199,999 $ 96,763
150,000-174,999 $ 92,947
125,000-149,999 $89,131
100,000-124,999 $85,315
65,000-99,999 $83,407
50,000-64,999 $80,226
35,000-49,999 $73,866
23,000-34,999 $71,322
12,000-22,999 $66,702
Less than 12,000 $57,477
NOTES
1. The county mayor’s compensation shall be at least 5 percent higher than the salary paid to
any other county constitutional officer (T.C.A. § 8-24-102(e)). The salaries noted above are
based upon the assumption that the general officers and the sheriff receive the statutory
minimum amount. Therefore, the minimum salary of the county mayor in a particular county
may be higher than the amounts listed above if other officials are paid in excess of the
statutory minimum. For example, if the sheriff is paid more than the minimum amount the
mayor must be paid at least 5 percent more than the sheriff’s actual salary.
2. The county legislative body may set the salary of the county mayor in an amount greater than
the salary noted above.
3. The increase in minimum salary for FY 2008-2009 in counties at or below the median
population was $3,325. In all other counties it was 4.89% but only for FY 2008-2009. For
2010-2011, there is NO INCREASE FROM FY 2009-2010.
4. These salaries were effective July 1, 2008 and will remain in effect for through June 30, 2011.
SOURCE: CTAS
06-20-2010