An apparently failed attempt to get a raise in salary for three Dorr Township officials raised questions about just what what fair compensation is for public officials.
Supervisor Jeff Miling, Clerk Brian Boot and Treasurer Jim Martin asked for a 5.3% raise in the Township Board meeting Monday night, only to have the issue tabled. Each of the three is making an annual salary of 26,400 and is seeking a bump of $1,400 a year to $27,800. That same figure was requested a year ago at budget time, but they had to settle for an increase from $24,800 to $26,400, a compromise proposed by Trustee Josh Otto.
Miling lobbied the most for the increases, insisting that, “I still think think this is 
way underpaid for these positions.”
Boot said he checked with the clerk at neighboring Byron Township, which has had a full-time supervisor, clerk and treasurer for more than 30 years. He noted that Byron Township’s clerk is paid a salary of $65,000 a year and has a full-time assistant. Boot makes that $26,400 and has a part-time deputy clerk.
The request was met by outrage from citizen Barb Chachulski, who asked them, “Do you ever think about the burden you’re putting on the taxpayers?”
“I’m a taxpayer,” 
replied Miling.
Chachulski continued, “The middle class is not getting ahead.”
Miling agreed and said he’s a member of that middle class she said is not getting ahead. “We’re being held down (in pay), but the guys in these jobs put in a lot of hours.”
Trustee Dan Weber told Miling he knew what the salary was when he applied for the job and now he’s asking for his second raise in just two years.
Martin responded that it would be the second raise in 10 years.
Trustee John Tuinstra agreed that the three officials put in more hours than what is required, working more than just three days a week. But he said, “There is no statutory requirement for the hours for the job, so maybe somehow we could spell that out.”
Martin said the treasurer is required to be in the office for only two days out of a year, but he puts in as many as 50 to 60 hours a week. He added that right now he’s doing the job for about $13 an hour, which is less than some deputy treasurers make in neighboring townships.
Boot said Martin is a retired accountant, and, “Try to hire an accountant for less than $50,000 a year.”
Weber said he’s uncomfortable about paying someone new to the job, but coming in and getting paid almost $28,000 a year if any of the three lose in the next election.
“I’d like to see some more research here,” Weber said. “I’d like to some kind of pay scale.”
“But what happens if you get a guy who’s doing a good job?” said Miling. Why hold him down?
“It’s hard to ask for a raise (in public) that you deserve.”
Weber said, “I knew what the pay was I was elected (as a trustee), and I never asked for a penny more.”
Trustee Patty Senneker said comparing Byron Center with Dorr wasn’t fair because it has so much much more population and so much more revenue.
Weber added that he wouldn’t mind giving a raise if the supervisor, treasurer and clerk were available at the township hall five days a week.
Miling, Martin and Boot all agreed.
PHOTOS: Jeff Miling Brian Boot Jim Martin
