Amid a budget crunch that’s cost more than 100 county workers their jobs, El Paso County’s top officials have agreed to stick around without a pay raise.

County Administrator Jeff Greene, County Attorney Bill Louis and Department of Human Services Director Barbara Drake will stay on the job at their 2008 salaries.

Although all three received “favorable” job evaluations, Commission Chairman Dennis Hisey said, “It would be inappropriate to give senior management an increase in pay without giving the rest of the staff a raise in pay.”

County workers are under a pay freeze.

Hisey said he hoped raises could be given when the economy picks up, but he couldn’t predict when that might be.

Louis, appointed in March, is paid $120,000 a year.

Greene, hired in 2005 at $105,000, makes $125,000 and last received a raise in 2007.

Drake is paid $111,426. Appointed in 2004, she last got a raise in 2007.

All three are given a $6,000 annual car allowance.

“A raise would always be nice, especially because work levels are going up and staff levels are decreasing,” Louis said. “But it would not have been right to request or receive a raise while people are losing their jobs in the county and in the community.”

Louis said money isn’t his main motivator. “The work is interesting. No two days are alike. I can’t think of a better place to practice law,” he said.

Greene also said a raise would be inappropriate in light of the national and regional economy and the county’s budget situation.

“For me,” Drake said, “the issue is, if there’s not financing available for our staff to get pay raises, then I would not accept a pay raise.”

This year’s budget is $2.5 million less than the 2008 spending plan. Revenue declines have forced cost-cutting measures, including closing most county offices on Fridays, laying off 111 people and eliminating 69 other jobs.

Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class, Squadron Commander Cadet Lt. Col. Tim Black (left), received instruction from Drill Instructor Technical Sergeant Al Desarro (right), on how to execute a correct “Eyes Left” movement. Photo by Kirk Speer, The Gazette

KIRK SPEER