It became clear from the reports of the Fannin County Commissioners Court Meeting on Monday the 9th of August that the county government and court systems are anything but aligned and all looking out for the good of the County.

We've all known about the inequity of pay in the county system, but it really came to a head this week. Judge Blake has the right to hire, fire and determine salaries for the court reporter, the auditor and auditor assistants. I'm sure all these county employees are worth at least what they are being paid and have the qualifications that make them first class workers.

At the same time is now really a good time to give a 5% raise for the court reporter and an  8% raise for the county auditor, even if a specific set budget can handle it?

I suggest that given the current economic climate it is not a good time. Doesn't do much for morale amongst other county employees either I would guess.

I suggest it is time to change the way budgets and priorities are set in Fannin County. Yes, a first-class court reporter should make at least $53,000 per year. That's about the median salary range for that position. The median salary range for a Sheriff's Deputy in Texas is $48,000. And Fannin County pays $23,000.

So moving forward, Judge Blake's court reporter will be the highest paying county position in the upcoming year. Definitely something wrong with this picture. And no, I'm not suggesting that the court reporter be paid less, but rather that other salaries and benefits within the county system be reviewed and adjustments made. In order to retain or attract first-class employees the pay scale should be comparable at least to the rest of Texas.

Lisbeth Echeandia
Savoy, Texas