*EDITOR’S NOTE: As Tam Hulburt detailed in her letter to the editor (see link below), and as indicated below, the commissioners’ salary is approximately $90,000, and the commissioners’ compensation package is $126,000 with benefits, etc. The question at the Farm Bureau forum has been about salary, and all the information is available on the county’s website – there is nothing hidden. The commissioner salaries are set by a compensation board and the commissioners themselves have no involvement in that process, which is based upon compensation in counties of similar size. As pointed out in Hulburt’s letter, if elected Lovelin will have the same salary, unless he does not take a salary. The Pioneer reached out to Bruce Lovelin and asked this question – Are you suggesting a reduction in the Commissioners’ compensation and/or will you not take a salary? “If elected, I will not take a salary. The other Commissioners will make their own decisions. I am hopeful of leading an effort to a new form of governance such as the Home Rule form of government adopted in Clatsop and Washington Counties. Appropriate compensation would follow,” responded Lovelin.
The Lovelin Campaign for Tillamook County Commission, Position 1, today addressed the issue of Commissioner Erin Skaar’s salary, revealing that it is costing taxpayers $126,197.27 per year. Moreover, the forecast indicates a further increase of $5,966.78, effective July 1.
Bruce Lovelin, the candidate spearheading the campaign, emphasized that while this may not be the primary focus of his platform, it is a matter that deserves attention and debate. “County residents are often unaware of the true financial implications of our County Commissioners’ compensation,” stated Lovelin.
The revelation comes in response to statements made by Erin Skaar during the recent debate at the Tillamook Farm Bureau. Skaar disputed the $125,000 salary assertion, claiming it ranged from $80,000 to $90,000. However, a detailed examination of the 2023-2024 Tillamook County Adopted Budget, page 23, confirms otherwise.
According to the budget document, the direct cost of Commissioners’ salaries stands at $90,933.33. However, when factoring in indirect costs such as Employers share of FICA, Workers Compensation, Unemployment, Health and Life Insurance, Retirement, and VEBA, the total compensation package amounts to $126,197.27.
Looking ahead, the 2024-2025 County Proposed Budget (Page 4) indicates a 4.72 percent increase in Commissioners’ salaries, bringing it up to $132,164.05.
Lovelin stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, particularly in light of the county’s projected deficit budget of $4,114,890. “As County Commissioner, it is crucial to comprehend the full cost of county employees, including both direct and indirect expenses,” he added.