Belknap County – Employee Compensation

The "invisible" level of government in NH is that at the County level – most people "get" their local town or city level, and at the State.  How often, though, do people know about County level? Or that their NH Representatives (their "County Delegation") not only help set the spending at the State level, but at the County level as well.  Sure, the Commissioners help to craft the budget, but it is the NH Reps from that County that finalize it.

And here in Belknap County, as with all levels of Government, the largest expenditure is always labor.  Here is the total compensation (thanks to loyal reader Tom) we "bosses" pay our employees (after all, it is we taxpayers that hire and fire, and set the compensation of, our employees via our elected politicians).

So, fellow bosses – you good with what we are paying?  Or are some a bit out of line in your thinking? I’ve also sorted the data other ways as well, but I have one OBVIOUS question:  WHY are these two positions paid so high?

Remember – your property taxes pay these levels of compensation – and as you mull that question over, ask yourself, in this time of economic distress, my favorite question:

What is the Proper Role of Government?

And are these kinds of positions "absolutely necessary" – or "nice to have when thing are flush, rich, dumb, and happy?" Remember – the "invisible level of government" – did you know these folks got this?  Do you even know what they do???

Hey, you in the other Counties!  Send me your numbers – do a Right To Know if you have to!  Let’s find out who has the highest numbers!

Note: I think a couple of the position’ numbers are not quite right – that the benefit level is the same as the wages – am checking into that.

Rest are after the jump: