Bullock Co. Concerns Over Proposed Probate Judges Pay Raise
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Proposed legislation could mean large pay raises for some probate judges.
Proponents say a new standardized pay scale would take the politics out of judges’ decision making, but opponents say rural counties couldn’t afford it.
The Bullock County Commission Chairman says it would cost the county more than $120,000 in one year. That’s because of an act passed in Bullock County in 1988 that states the county commission chairman, the sheriff, and the probate judge all must make the same amount.
Ron Smith, Bullock Co. Commission Chairman said, “We all understand the dynamics and how it will effect our county coffer….I have three ladies in my house, and $36,000 additionally would be great. However I have to look at the total picture of our county health, our financial health. Our county’s financial health can’t stand that type of increase.”
This bill hasn’t been voted on yet. If passed, the new pay scale would not go into effect until 2019.
