Washington County's top leaders given pay increases

Mary Divine, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
·1 min read

Dec. 7—The Washington County board on Tuesday unanimously approved 3.5 percent pay increases for Sheriff Dan Starry and County Attorney Pete Orput.

In 2022, Orput will earn $198,833, and Starry will receive $178,424.

County Administrator Kevin Corbid recommended that the board approve the proposed increases, noting that the compensation would be in line with comparative counties. Corbid also detailed the experience, qualifications and accomplishments of each man in 2021.

Orput and Starry are known for the leadership they bring to the "county, state and nation," Commissioner Wayne Johnson said. "They just are shining stars that we can turn to."

Orput is completing his 11th year in office as part of his third term in office; he was re-elected in 2018. Starry, who previously served as chief deputy, was appointed to the position of sheriff by the county board in 2017 and was elected to a full term in 2018.

The county board voted 4-0 on Tuesday morning to approve the salary increases; Commissioner Gary Kriesel was absent.

In November, the board voted to give Corbid, county administrator since January 2020, a 4 percent raise for 2022; he will earn $196,245. The five board member also voted to give themselves 2.5 percent raises. They will receive $72,488 next year, plus stipends for technology and travel. Neither Corbid nor the commissioners received salary increases last year because of the pandemic.