Who makes what?

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Tuesday, September 7. 2010

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The Herald-Gazette periodically looks into and reports on salaries of paid local officials and top managers.

With recent concerns over Lamar County’s budget shortfall, those salary amounts – who makes what – have been on the minds of taxpayers.

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#1 cats on 09/07/10 at 04:55 AM

Looking forward to reading this.

#2 Anonymous on 09/07/10 at 08:33 AM

I suggested this on the Blog so time back. I'm glad THG is moving forward with this.

#3 H B on 09/07/10 at 09:22 AM

This may be an opportunity to see where the shortfall of money for the budget is located. Should be interesting.

#4 Anonymous on 09/07/10 at 10:40 AM

Please include more than just salaries....some County employees have perks!

#4.1 Anonymous on 09/07/10 at 11:35 AM

Agreed. The "perks" should be open records too. Including cars/lodging ect. Just because someone makes $40,000 a year, doesn't mean thats all the tax money we pay them.

#5 NOT Shelia Tolley on 09/07/10 at 10:41 AM

Who was not cooperative?

#5.1 Anonymous on 09/08/10 at 09:09 AM

Cooperative about what? Do you think the only way to find this out is to ask each employee? All you have to do is mosey your nosey ass on over to the commissioners office and see for yourself. County employees rates of pay are public information.

Also, it should be interesting to note that constitutional officers salries (Like the Sheriff, Judge, etc.) are set by the legislature and are spelled out in the States constitution, and not the county.

#6 HAG on 09/07/10 at 10:50 AM

Gee, thanks Walter. You're one swell guy. Can't wait to read all about it.

#7 Anonymous on 09/07/10 at 11:44 AM

Please tell me this will include the Board of Education employees from top to bottom....especially the top!

#7.1 Anonymous on 09/07/10 at 02:01 PM

NO! Just the top. It's none of your business. What do you make?

#7.1.1 Anonymous on 09/07/10 at 02:20 PM

It is my buisness. How about you shut the hell up! My salary doesnt come from hard working taxpayers!

#7.1.1.1 Mrs. G. on 09/07/10 at 05:26 PM

School system employees are hard-working tax payers, too.

#7.1.1.1.1 Ron on 09/07/10 at 07:00 PM

I agree....but you are a public employee taking a paycheck, and I might ad a retirement plan from taxpayers...therefore WE are you boss and should have access to all of your records...if you don't like that, get a job at a private institution..until then...well...consider learning some real history and consider real education instead of what you are told to teach....oh my I can go on for hours on this subject...

#7.1.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 09/07/10 at 09:21 PM

If teachers did this, the schools wouldn't get money from that stupid NCLB law.

#7.1.1.1.1.2 Anonymous on 09/07/10 at 10:02 PM

You can and you would just sound more like an idiot, Yes you have a right a know know what they make, you are not their boss, you elect a board of education that is not really even their boss. I doubt the money you pay in tax would cover the salary of a janitor in the school system. So why don't you try getting a "real" education and stop sounding like an ignorant redneck

#7.1.1.1.1.2.1 Ron on 09/08/10 at 09:46 AM

We are a country who's government is 'by the people for the people." If you take government money, it is the people's money. Granted, you are providing a service. Nonetheless, you are subject to public scrutiny.
I haven't met a government employee yet who does not get angry when the public reminds them where their salary comes from.
I should have clarified somewhat. It is the publics business how public monies are spent in a manner which protects privacy. I find nothing wrong publishing salaries in a manner such as, "1st year teachers make...2nd year" so on and so forth.
I find it rather humorous, that a person of your so called intellect and high education, has spent 10's of thousands of dollars to include in your arguement words such as "idiot" and "ignorant redneck."
Just because you went to some institution that convinced you by repeating what someone has told you grants you intellectual status, doesn't make it so. Actually, it makes you a parrot.
Here's a news flash for you sport...you can get the same education by visiting the library on a regular basis.
Your condescending tone does nothing for your arguement other than convince me of your insecurity. While there are some great teachers out there, it just so happens there are also some who are educated way beyond their intelligence.

#7.1.1.2 Anonymous on 09/08/10 at 04:21 AM

Perhaps you are correct in suggesting that since the salaries of government officials are funded by public tax dollars, the public has a right to know what the salaries of individual employees are. However, extending your logic would imply that since all students have their educations funded, at least in part, by public tax dollars, their individual grades and other performance assessments should be released for public scrutiny and criticism. As a local educator, I would find it interesting to see the reaction of those demanding to see our salaries if this "news" outlet began threatening to publish local citizens' report cards from grade school to college.

#7.1.1.2.1 Anonymous on 09/08/10 at 09:17 AM

What an irrelevant argument. Suggesting that a government employees rate of pay being public is the same as a juveniles school records is ridiculous.

Looks like most teachers are overpaid, considering their yearly salary rate when they don't even work all year. And then their teachers union goes and supports the ever so sincere and apologetic roy barnes after what he did to them before. How soon folks forget, but how quickly they get reminded.

#7.1.1.2.2 Ron on 09/08/10 at 09:55 AM

I think, in a general way, these grades are published. Are there not statistics given annually on how the schools have performed?
I have no problem publishing the grades of students.
As they go on in life, they have decisions to make. One of them is entering public life. John McCains Navel Academy records were published. That is how we found out he graduated at the bottom of his class. George W. Bush could barely muster a C average.
If you choose to work for the government, and it is your choice, you should be subject to public scrutiny.

#7.1.1.2.2.1 g.t on 09/08/10 at 03:32 PM

I agree with you Ron. I've been in Government for many years now and have no problem with my salary being public. I work at the will of the people. A lot of Government employees DO NOT feel this way and think that being in a position of authority gives them the right to do as they please.

#7.1.2 Anonymous on 09/07/10 at 03:51 PM

I agree with 7.1.1! It is their business.

#7.1.3 Anonymous on 09/07/10 at 05:08 PM

Um... i think you just got told off.

#7.1.4 Anonymous on 09/07/10 at 05:10 PM

$40,248 for me. I personally am blessed with my job as I only work 20-25hrs a week.

#7.1.4.1 Anonymous on 09/08/10 at 09:53 AM

If you make that much money in Lamar County for a part time Job you are OVER paid!

#8 Ann on 09/07/10 at 04:15 PM

Instead of worrying about other peoples salary, there needs to be a law with these kids wearing there pants down to there knee out in public. It makes me sick to go out to eat or to the stores and kids walking around holding their pants up and thinks it's Cool

#8.1 Ron on 09/07/10 at 06:52 PM

the last thing we need is more laws...how about parents saying NO to their kids.

#8.2 g.t on 09/07/10 at 07:27 PM

There's no way in hell I would have run around with my pants sagging as a kid.....because I wasn't about to give my Dad a soft target with his belt!!!!!!!!

#9 know it all on 09/07/10 at 05:19 PM

there is a website that tells ALL government employee salaries. www.open.georgia.gov there are some that are VERY interesting

#9.1 b'ville resident on 09/07/10 at 08:57 PM

What #9 said. I don't know why folks are up in arms about BOE salaries. You can look them up for yourself whenever you choose using that website. It updates once a year, usually in Dec. or Jan.

But, while you are over there being appalled at high salaries (most of which are probably highly deserved), make sure to look at the ALL the salaries. We should be more appalled at how little some very hard workers are making.

And no, I am not employed by Lamar County Schools. I say this as a person concerned about the schools, and would like them to continue to improve.

#10 Iggle on 09/07/10 at 09:22 PM

Looking at the first round of reported salaries in the print edition, most seem in line with what is to be expected for the position itself and the size of our county. The surprising thing to me, is how low some of them are.

#10.1 M.S. on 09/08/10 at 07:33 AM

Yeah I agree. A lot of the salaries are far low for the amount of time and work they put in.

#10.2 Anonymous on 09/08/10 at 07:38 AM

I agree. I was saddened to see the law enforcement salaries for Brad White et al being so low considering that they're putting their lives on the line everyday.

While teacher salaries weren't listed, they are similarly low for all they have to do. Edcuation should pay better to attract smarter teachers. If you could make twice as much doing something else, most people will choose that something else.

#11 Anonymous on 09/08/10 at 01:03 AM

What about Johnny Poore?

#12 anon on 09/08/10 at 05:18 AM

speaking of Johnny Poore, where does all of the money collected from accepting everyone elses garbage go

#13 anon on 09/08/10 at 09:29 AM

The www.open.ga.gov is a very informative website. It shows the Lamar county teachers,counselors, etc. Teachers and counselers make 40,000-62,000. They have the names of the teachers, etc. and their salaries. I do like Buddy Lanier but I think the salary needs to be lowered for sports and recreation. You could probably find someone that would serve in that postition for 28,000 a year. I think the girls in the office do most of the work.

#14 ELLO on 09/08/10 at 11:28 AM

Maybe an audit on out of control spending should be looked into.

#15 Anonymous on 09/08/10 at 12:51 PM

Wow, I remember bashing the Sheriff's Office for spending here during the recent budget cuts, ect. But now after seeing what a deputy actually makes I feel ashamed for ever typing that stuff. These guys/gals are out facing unspeakable danger for us and they don't get paid nearly enough for it. I wish I could go back and erase everything I typed about how their funding needed to be cut. I listened to people talk and it sounded like Waller was just throwing out money. Now I pray for our deputies. You people really are heros to do what you do and get paid the amount you do.

I guess all I can say is thank you.

#15.1 GM on 09/08/10 at 02:09 PM

I agree. Law enforcement is underpaid for the hazards they are subject to. A pay raise of any kind would help but local budgets usually won’t support it. I contacted Gov. Perdue regarding pay of law enforcement and offered a suggestion to make the pay of active law enforcement personnel exempt from state taxes. He responded favorably and said he would support such a measure if it went through the General Assembly. A state representative (Dubois) from out of Dublin said he would introduce the idea. I’ve never been able to get any update from the suggestion or discover any progress. It’s almost like it never existed. I made several attempts to find out something including making a request to the General Assembly. It apparently fell on deaf politician ears; which is usually the case when someone gets in their pocketbook. Perhaps someone with a little more clout than me can reignite the flame somewhere.

#15.1.1 NOT Shelia Tolley on 09/08/10 at 02:35 PM

I was shocked that the clerk of court makes a lot more that the Sheriff.

#15.1.1.1 Annonymous on 09/08/10 at 08:33 PM

The Clerk of Court has been there for a very long time and his salary is based on longivity like a Commissioner as it stated in the paper. The more terms you serve the more it adds up. Plus the Clerk of Court does alot and a good job. You also have to remember he is also over Juvenile Court.

#15.2 Anonymous on 09/08/10 at 06:23 PM

#15 you are absolutely correct. These men and women spend a great deal of there time handling things that most people would NEVER want to do. It is ashamed that they are not appreciated for the danger they are subjected to regularly. They men and women are the ones who help us when we are hurt, have been in a car wreck, or are in danger and afraid yet people are so quick to make harsh remarks about them. I don't believe the budget in that area needs to be cut in any way, but instead, maybe the cops who don't do what they are sworn to do need to but cut out. Then maybe the ones who do their jobs, even if it's going to piss someone off, could get the raises that most of them deserve and need.

#16 Anonymous on 09/08/10 at 04:04 PM

Walter, why wasn't the Code Enforcer Wimpy Vaughn's salary listed?

#16.1 Anonymous on 09/08/10 at 07:37 PM

Budget cuts. Close it down, Code Enforcement. Move to Barnesville and Lamar County fire departments.

#16.1.1 mad on 09/09/10 at 02:21 PM

Please stop commenting!

#17 anon on 09/08/10 at 06:06 PM

That is right. His salary wasn't on the list. Could there be a reason for that? Ask the fired office manager, Mrs. Ellerby. Maybe she knows. Could he had gotten a raise and it doesn't want to be found out? I read where Mrs. Ellerby was supposed to report to the commissioners about the pay back on the money she stole. What happened? Are we allowed to know the plans on how she is going to pay it back and the amounts?

#18 Anonymous on 09/08/10 at 08:42 PM

I agree, #15.2. I have to say CUTTING THE SHERIFFS, JUDGES and PUBLIC WORKERS or TEACHERS. Fired Mrs. Gretchen Ellerby, Mr. Brad White and Mr. Todd.

#19 Anonymous on 09/13/10 at 01:40 PM

www.open.ga.gov lists salaries for all state employees .... DOT, Agriculture,Prison System, Colleges, etc. You can look up salaries by Agency or name.

#20 Anonymous on 09/14/10 at 01:22 PM

Can't fix. $14 trillion. Why Obama? President Obama doing a bad job on the economy or a messed up "1 years and 9 months".

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