Lake County struggles with wage increases for county workers

Lake County employees won’t see much of a pay increase in the coming year if commissioners stick with a plan passed by the Board of Compensation on Tuesday.

The board, which meets annually to review payroll increases as part of the annual budget process, is comprised of department heads James Lapotka, Carolyn Hall, Lyn Fricker and Kendra Steele as well as two citizens: attorney Bob Long and radio newsman Jeff Smith.  

Unlike last September, when the board recommended -- and the commissioners approved -- a 5% across-the-board pay increase or $1 more an hour, whichever was higher, this year’s board wrestled with the possibility of no increase at all due to budget constraints.