This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to authorize County Commissions to increase the compensation of elected county officials, reflecting the additional duties imposed on these officials over time. The legislative findings emphasize that since January 1, 2015, county officials have been assigned new responsibilities that warrant salary increases, and that local governments are best positioned to determine the fiscal justification for these increases. The bill also establishes a new effective date for salary increases, moving it to July 1, 2025, and sets forth a new base salary structure for county commissioners and other elected officials, which will take effect after this date.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for regular reviews of the county budget in relation to the Consumer Price Index, ensuring that salary adjustments for county officials can occur based on budgetary increases. Specifically, it mandates that on March 1, 2026, and every two years thereafter, county commissions must assess whether their budgets have increased sufficiently to support salary increases of at least two percent or in line with the Consumer Price Index. The bill also clarifies that any additional compensation received by public officials will be factored into their base salary calculations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 7-7-1, 7-7-4of