Here’s the resolution that the Board approved.  I was at the 3:00 meeting on June 3rd, but had to leave early - I got through item 6.f. on the 3:00 session agenda and then I returned for the 7:00 session, so, unfortunately,  I missed this vote. 

Per the meeting minutes:  “Mr. Creasey asked if it could be tied to something where all the other employees get their
raise/increase first and then maybe the possibility of a percentage increase or something like that.”  Kudos to Mr. Creasey for trying to do the right thing.

The discussion was mostly about setting maximum salaries, but it appears that they voted to set the actual salaries effective 2012. 

Since 1-4-2005 wasn’t the start of a new term, the prior board must have approved the increase in 2003 and then the increase was deferred for one year, from 2004 to 2005.  I can’t locate the vote in the archived board meeting minutes to confirm that.

************************************************
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE SALARY FOR MEMBERS OF THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FOR THE TERM COMMENCING JANUARY 2012

WHEREAS, Section 15.2-1414.2 of the Code of Virginia requires the Board of
Supervisors to establish by resolution the annual salary for each member of the board of
supervisors prior to July 1 of the year in which members of the board of supervisors are
to be elected; and

WHEREAS, the next General Election of the Board of Supervisors will be held
in November 2011; and

WHEREAS, the annual salary for each member of the Board of Supervisors was
last adjusted on January 4, 2005, at which time a salary of $15,000 was established for
the Chairman and $12,000 for each Board member; and

WHEREAS, these salaries have not increased since that time;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Goochland Board of
Supervisors hereby establishes the annual salary of the Board of Supervisors for the term
beginning January 2012 as follows:

CHAIRMAN – $18,000
BOARD MEMBERS – $15,000

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution will become effective
January 1, 2012.
***

Why was it not reported that one board member added to the motion that a raise for the board can only be possible after all county employees received their raises and that the revenue was there to fund the raise. I do believe Susan Lascolette was present when this action was taken.  Denise M. Starke was done wrong but don’t burn your bridges Denise.

Transparent

Since the supervisors seem to be finding money to spend - how about giving me my job back-I was laid off last year due to budget reductions (by the way I did nothing wrong) A real smack in the face for a dedicated Goochland grown girl who was always giving above and beyond. We used to be family and protected our own - maybe I could get a job in Chesterfield?

Maybe a better comparison would be to counties with approximately the same population as Goochland County.  I checked Cumberland, Amelia, Fluvanna, Powhatan, Louisa, Hanover, Richmond City, Henrico and Chesterfield. 

Although I know MANY factors are part of the compensation package including health care benefits, I focused on salary alone.

The two regional counties with populations closest to Goochland’s (21,717) are Fluvanna (25,691) and Powhatan (28,046).  Fluvanna’s population is 18% larger than Goochland’s, but the new salaries in Goochland ($18,000/$15,000) are almost twice that of Fluvanna’s ($8,400/$7,800).

Powhatan’s salaries are $15,000/$12,000 with a population of 29% more than Goochland’s.

I disagree with the Board’s vote to increase their salaries.  It was inappropriate for the Board to give themselves more money when we have had to cut spending in other areas.  I am actually surprised that the current Board handed their opponents such a useful issue to use against them in the elections.  Nice work guys!

I will support the Board voiding this increase when the new members take office in January.