POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County legislators earn less than their counterparts in neighboring counties, according to a study conducted by the county Human Resources Department. The last time Dutchess lawmakers received a pay raise was in 2005. In 2009, they approved a 15-percent contribution to their healthcare coverage, effectively resulting in a reduction in salary.
Despite the length of time since the last raises, legislature Chairman Dale Borchert told colleagues in committee on Thursday there will be no pay hikes now.
“The Republican caucus will not be considering pay raises for the legislators this year,” he said. “The only one that does need to be considered by all of us is the comptroller.” Borchert noted that Democratic Minority Leader Micki Strawinski said her caucus would also not support legislative pay raises.
Should legislative pay raises be approved in the future, they would not take effect until after the following general election.
