Madison Co. Commission votes against District 3 pay raises - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

The Madison County Commission voted Friday for no pay raises in District 3.

The Commission rejected Jerry Craig's request to reward some workers in his district with a salary increase.

Commissioner Craig submitted some 16 names from his district for promotions and pay raises. Craig, who will leave office in November, said he's looking out for employees who don't make as much money as others.

His request was met with a firestorm of debate.

"We do need things. We do need raises. We need our young people to make more money so we won't lose them," said Craig.

"I'm not sure it's prudent for outgoing commissioners to be able to give raises and promotions to people as they go out the door," said Commissioner Phil Riddick.

"I don't think this commission has the right to say that each individual commissioner doesn't have that right and for us to make that decision," said Commissioner Bob Harrison.

On Monday, Craig pulled a proposal to increase the salary of 26 employees in his district.

He said that some of the numbers were too high, with at least one salary increase just shy of 40 percent.

Craig narrowed his list down to 16 employees and decreased salary requests.

Still, commissioners were split on whether the request should be approved.

For now, employees will not get their raise.

Commissioner Roger Jones said he has another suggestion.

"We have a lot of people in this county that deserve raises. I'd like to look at across the board raises, cost of living raises for all employees of this county," said Jones.

Commissioner Dale Strong requested a spread sheet with raises and promotions for all county employees over the last 10 years. He said commissioners need to know the numbers before a decision is made.

Craig said he will submit the pay requests for his employees until they are approved or he leaves office.  

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