Monday, November 10, 2025
The pay rates for the five-member Thurston County Board of County Commissioners are going to remain unchanged through 2026.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Oct. 28, the county said the Citizens’ Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials voted to retain current salares for the board. The commission made the decision at a meeting on Monday, Oct. 20.
As reported by The JOLT in March, the board first proposed the pay freeze as a means to help deal with a projected multimillion-dollar budget deficit.
The board sent a letter on April 29 requesting no pay increase for 2026, as departments prepared for budget cuts and service slowdowns.
The salary commission, which is composed of volunteers, oversees pay levels for multiple county offices. Members considered the board's request while reviewing the 2026 salary schedule for elected officials.
Board Chair Tye Menser said the outcome supports the county’s fiscal goals for the next budget cycle.
“We started 2025 facing a $36 million gap between 2026 revenues and expenses. Thanks to tough decisions and hard work by officials, directors and staff, that’s now down to $9.8 million,” Menser said. “That means more money for services and less impact to the community.”
The county regarded the pay freeze as part of its ongoing cost restraint plan during the preparation of the 2026 financial blueprint. The commission’s Oct. 20 vote only applies to commissioner salaries.
11 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
Bobwubbena
Thankyou Commissioners for sharing in the limited fund and delaying your salary increases. This is good leadership
Friday, October 31 Report this
HappyOlympian
Well done, rare folks make the right choice, I won't forget this at election time.
Friday, October 31 Report this
Taxpayer
Thank you commissioners for the contribution. To better appreciate the sacrifice it would be good to see what the current compensation is for a commissioner position.
Saturday, November 1 Report this
WendyS64
They started 2025 with Budget problems but still gave themselves a raise! Do we not remember? This included the Sheriff!! Does this mean that vote is rescinded or that they won't take another one for an increase NECT year?
Saturday, November 1 Report this
KarenM
2025 Elected Official Monthly Salaries. They also receive benefits including pension, medical, workers comp, Paid Family Medical Leave, and long-term disability
Steven Drew ASSESSOR $12,328
Mary Hall AUDITOR $12,328
Lynda Myhre Enlow CLERK $12,328
Carolina Mejia COMMISSIONER $12,328
Tye Menser COMMISSIONER $12,328
Emily Clouse COMMISSIONER $12,328
Wayne Fournier COMMISSIONER $12,328
Rachel Grant COMMISSIONER $12,328
Gary Warnock CORONER $12,328
Jon Tunheim PROSECUTING ATTORNEY $19,788
Derek Sanders SHERIFF $15,230
Jeff Gadman TREASURER $12,328
Saturday, November 1 Report this
Taxpayer
Thank you for the compensation information.....it doesn't look like the "SACRIFICE" will hurt them too badly.
Saturday, November 1 Report this
ClownPenis88
Just keep filing lawsuits against Thurston County for the lack of enforcement of the state laws that are causing major issues in our community and business owners
Sunday, November 2 Report this
Boatyarddog
And this is Not the first time time Commissioners have stepped up to help budget crunches.
Sunday, November 2 Report this
Boatyarddog
Seeing progress being made, costs for everyone are up.. let us NOT FORGET Who exactly is Causing All prices to rise.. THE W.H.
Sunday, November 2 Report this
Yeti1981
Slightly late to the party, after receiving a 12% increase over two years in addition to expanding the commission from 3 to 5 and all the staff and work that comes with that. This isn't a sacrifice, it is overdue.
Monday, November 3 Report this
Yeti1981
@Boatyarddog, price increases and a rising cost of living can be tied to specific state level action including the CCA and CETA. This isn't squarely on the White House. In fact, there's a much larger impact from state and local actions. There's also more to come as they try to cap growth in rural Thurston to 5% (cutting traditional rural capacity by more than half).
Monday, November 3 Report this