Amador County - Questions were raised at the Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday over the logic behind the approval of a 7 percent pay raise for Kristin Bengyel, Amador County Health Director, during a time when many county workers have been laid off or taken pay cuts.

Leroy Carlin raised the question during public comment, asking why any raise would be considered “while our economy is still in the dumps.” He criticized the board for making the decision in closed session. “We don’t get a chance to say anything about that because too many things around here are done behind closed doors,” he said.

County Counsel Martha Shaver clarified that the approval was only discussed and no action was yet taken. The approval was originally listed as a closed session item, but Chairman Brian Oneto requested it be put on the regular agenda in order to receive public comment.

Oneto said he “had some heartburn” about approving the raise, and “it wasn’t something that was done happily or easily.”

“I’m not a fan of salary surveys,” said Oneto. “Things change and I don’t think her (pay) necessarily has to be in line with what other counties are paying. But looking at Kristen Bengyel…compared to what other health directors are paid, she’s still underpaid.”

Bengyel was hired two years ago as the Deputy County Administrative Officer. She has since served as Interim Transportation Director and Public Works Director, and now Health Director.

Supervisor Richard Forster also defended his vote to support the raise. “When you take on a huge amount of extra responsibility, there should be some compensation commensurate with that job,” he said.

The raise was approved 3-0. Supervisors John Plasse and Ted Novelli were absent.

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