Opinion: Sylva Herald on Jackson County pay raises
SYLVA–The Sylva Herald newspaper takes issue with raises for high-level Jackson County government employees, first by comparing the pay scale that the county recently adopted to that of surrounding counties, then in an editorial. (Access the stories through the paper’s pay-per-view archives).
While speaking Sept. 1, commissioners offered a variety of interesting reasons why they proceeded with the pay hikes in a year when adjacent counties are laying off employees and freezing wages. Our commissioners say they’re proud of the way they’re treating county staff.
The thing is, they aren’t just responsible for looking out for county employees; they’re charged with doing what’s best for all county taxpayers. While we certainly agree that county employees should be fairly compensated, that obligation has to be balanced. As everyone that pays taxes is tightening their belts and counting their pennies, commissioners are expanding the county budget – and that sends the wrong message.
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I applaud transparency in government and think the pay issue deserves scrutiny. However, I don’t understand the narrow focus on salaries. To me, the other table posted on the front page of the Herald (comparing taxation in Jackson County with neighboring counties) is a much bigger story that demands explanation. IF our county government has binged on collections from highly overvalued resort property, we need to prepare for the consequences of those values coming back down to earth. One way or the other, it’s not going to be pretty. Look at the huge disparity in the county budget between Jackson and Macon, which has about the same population. Granted, a few hefty raises DO contribute to that difference, but they’re just a drop in the bucket. There’s a more significant story here, and it deserves a few headlines, too.
I think the Herald is being particularly trendy in looking at public employees’ salaries, as that seems to be a popular thing for newspapers to do lately. However their analysis is off the mark.
It just isn’t that unusual to pay a little more in order to recruit talented employees. In order to grow and develop, an organization has to make investments.
Of course we could compare ourselves to other counties who are struggling economically, but that would only promote the status quo. Instead I hope we aspire to something a little better. I hope we employ talented public employees who develop the local economy so that others in Jackson County can make more money.
I wouldn’t necessarily take issue with “someone from sylva.” I am not of the crowd that insists “government is the enemy.” That said, I don’t believe it is a given that more government (or that more expensive government) is better government. The employment of “talented public employees who develop the local economy” is more wishful thnking than reality. Of course, “developing the local economy” means different things to different people.
Far too often, those otherwise well-meaning newcomers who desire to bring “enlightenment” to Jackson County don’t give a damn about the families that have lived here for generations. I contend that our current taxation strategies will put more and more pressure on those who are “cash poor and land rich” (for lack of a better way to put it). Displacing them (via higher and higher taxes) does nothing to improve our quality of life in Jackson County, IMHO.