The Thurston County Salary Commission has voted to keep County Commissioners’ wages unchanged for the upcoming year, honoring the officials’ own request to exercise budgetary restraint. This decision reflects the Commissioners’ proactive stance against salary increases, aimed at addressing financial challenges first identified in October 2024, according to the Thurston County.
In a letter dated April 29, the Commissioners formally rejected any pay hikes to help prevent potential budget shortfalls. The volunteer citizen advisory group recognized and supported this move, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and early action to safeguard county finances, as stated by the Thurston County.
Thurston County Chair of the Board, Tye Menser, reported to county officials, "We started 2025 facing a $36 million gap between 2026 revenues and expenses. Thanks to tough decisions and hard work by officials, directors and staff, that's now down to $9.8 million." The reduction reflects countywide budget adjustments. The Salary Commission will begin discussions on elected officials' salaries for 2027 in May next year. Information on the Salary Commission and the Board of County Commissioners is available on the county’s official website.
