Cobb County explores raise for elected officials

Some residents are upset over a proposed pay raise for elected officials in Cobb County.

In December, county employees received a 3 percent raise, their first in five years. Election officials, who need approval from the Georgia General Assembly for a salary increase, were not included. County Commission Chairman Tim Lee said he is looking into getting permission for the raise.

That would mean $4,000 added to Lee's $129,000 annual salary.

Commissioner Bob Ott says he doesn't think it's a good idea.

"I just don't' think it's the right thing to do. I wouldn't take the raise, I would turn it back," Ott said.

But Lee told FOX 5 news partner, the Marietta Daily Journal, that he hasn't heard any opposition from local residents, saying, "My sense is that folks are OK with it, and the ones that have chosen to speak to me have said it's reasonable."
 
Less than two years ago, commissioners cut numerous services and programs to pull the county out of a $33 million shortfall. That resulted in shorter library hours, cuts in parks and recreation and bus routes were taken away.

Some residents told FOX 5's Denise Dillon that they don't support the raise.

"Put it back with the kids – the parks, the schools, anywhere that you can help the kids," said one man.

FOX 5 was unable to reach Commission Chairman Lee for comment. He is expected to make a final decision on whether to ask for that pay raise within the next two weeks.