The bill amends sections 7-7-1 and 7-7-4 of the Code of West Virginia to authorize county commissions to increase the compensation of elected county officials. It removes previous legislative findings regarding the imposition of additional duties on county officials since January 1, 2015, and instead emphasizes that local governments are best positioned to determine the fiscal justification for salary increases. The bill also introduces new provisions that require county commissions to review the annual Consumer Price Index every two years to assess potential salary increases for county officials based on budgetary growth.

Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for salary increases tied to the Consumer Price Index, allowing for adjustments of no less than two percent but not exceeding the percentage increase in the index over the prior two years. It stipulates that any increases in compensation must comply with constitutional provisions and prohibits increases for counties that are delinquent in their regional jail per diem payments. The changes aim to ensure that compensation for county officials reflects their responsibilities while maintaining fiscal responsibility at the county level.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 7-7-1, 7-7-4
Committee Substitute: 7-7-1, 7-7-4
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 7-7-1, 7-7-4