| The West Virginia Auditor's office has advised county clerk Richard Kirby that the county's elected officials are entitled to a 20% pay increase, approved recently by the WV legislature.
The auditor reviewed the county's budget figures before they made the decision, said Kirby.
Kirby said "When we put the budget together, the bill had not passed, so we estimated some of the revenues low. We didn't want to be in a situation where we had to take money from other things to cover the pay."
The new pay rates will go in effect on July 1.
All officials will eventually receive the raise automatically, but only commissioner Larry McCallister or his opponent will receive the increase automatically. Other elected officials must request the raise if they are to receive it now.
The pay raise package will cost about $62,000 annually, including benefits.
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