![Local Government Pay Jumped As Minnesota Cap Eased](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2012/08/Money.jpg?w=980&q=75)
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
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Stearns History Museum’s John Decker; My Life [AUDIO]](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-John-Decker-young.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Big Brothers Big Sisters Kicking Off Recruitment Campaign](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-2h-media-xGn1-bDVu8U-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St Cloud Drivers – Its a Roundabout – Not a 4-Way Stop](http://townsquare.media/site/66/files/2021/07/attachment-Roundabout.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![If You Like Odd Pizza Ingredients, This Might Be the Best in Minnesota](http://townsquare.media/site/66/files/2024/07/attachment-Zorbaz-Pizza-1.png?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud Man Sentenced for 2022 Murder](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/03/attachment-Paul-Coleman.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Huge Muffin Recall From This Minnesota Favorite Bargain Store](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/07/attachment-joshua-flores-via-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![I-94 Project Between Monticello and Albertville Starts Soon](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2018/04/Road-Construction.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Buckvold Looking to Lead St. Cloud As Next Mayor](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/04/attachment-thumbnail_20240206-AnneBuckvold-LakeGeorgeStCloud-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Support And Unity: Sherburne County Leaders Condemn Violence In Political Disagreements](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Trump-AssassinationAttempt-GettyImages.jpg?w=980&q=75)