New deal, no raise for county administrator

Clark County’s top unelected official has a new contract but, like all the county’s managers this year, no raise.

County Administrator Bill Barron, who reports to the county’s three elected commissioners, will make $170,000, the same as last year.

“Lead by example,” Barron said Wednesday.

Barron, 64, of Lake Shore, is now under contract to the county until 2011, though commissioners retain an option to drop the deal each year.

The county froze managers’ salaries this year amid significant budget cuts. Its two-year budget totals $994 million.

At the county, only Medical Examiner Dennis Wickham, a physician, earns more than Barron. Each commissioner makes $101,024, including their vehicle allowances.

The freeze means that for the first time, Vancouver City Manager Pat McDonnell, Barron’s predecessor at the county job, will earn more than Barron.

Vancouver gave McDonnell a 12 percent salary bump last March, boosting his salary to $171,650.

Michael Andersen: 360-735-4508 or michael.andersen@columbian.com.