Local Government Pay Jumped As Minnesota Cap Eased

ST. PAUL (AP) — Salaries of the top-paid employees in Minnesota city and county government have risen considerably since the state peeled back a restriction that made it rare for local personnel to earn more than the governor.

An analysis of salary data by The Associated Press identified scores of local officials now drawing bigger paychecks than the governor. In select cases, pay for the same position shot up more than $40,000 in about eight years.

To some, the increases reflect a market correction after a rigid salary cap was eased. But others wonder how it squares with the refrain that local governments are scraping by.

The AP gathered salary notices required of the 126 cities and counties with more than 15,000 residents. Resulting data showed at least 145 topping the governor's annual pay.

In St. Cloud the top three salaries are:
#1 - City Administrator - $123,737
#2 - Police Lieutenant - $118,942
#3 - Police Lieutenant - $116,435

In Sartell the top three salaries are:
#1 - City Administrator - $102,400
#2 - Police Chief - $83,300
#3 - Public Works Director - $82,275

In Stearns County the top three salaries are:
#1 - County Administrator - $160,639
#2 - County Attorney - $160,639
#3 - Chief Deputy Attorney - $155,937

In Sherburne County the top three salaries are:
#1 - County Administrator - $137,898
#2 - County Sheriff - $134,299
#3 - County Attorney - $133,411

In Benton County the top three salaries are:
#1 - County Administrator - $116,3987
#2 - Human Services Director - $99,184
#3 - Senior Assistant County Attorney - $91,333