Missouri Senate Bill SB704

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 1/10/22

Caption

Modifies provisions relating to salary schedules for third class counties

Impact

One key aspect of SB704 is its establishment of a base salary schedule for third-class counties. The bill stipulates that any proposed increases to salaries for newly elected or reelected officials must be aligned with constitutional mandates while allowing counties greater flexibility in adjusting salaries for part-time prosecutors and other officials. This could lead to more standardized compensation and assist counties in attracting competent officials while maintaining budgetary constraints.

Summary

Senate Bill 704 modifies existing provisions related to salary schedules for county officials in third-class counties within Missouri. The bill aims to set a more systematic approach in determining the compensation for officials such as prosecutors and coroners. Specifically, it repeals and enacts new guidelines regarding how salary schedules are established, thereby providing a framework for salary computation that takes into account assessed valuation factors and ensures equal percentage adjustments for all officials within a county.

Contention

As discussions around the bill unfold, potential points of contention may include how salary increases are approved by the salary commissions and whether the amendments to the base schedules based on assessed valuations may create disparities among counties with differing economic conditions. Critics may argue that the bill could prompt inequities if not carefully monitored, particularly for officials representing lower-assessed valuation counties who may struggle to compete with their counterparts. However, supporters may claim that standardization of salary schedules is necessary for equitable governance across counties.