Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1887-1890, 1889-02-13
SALARIES.
ANOTHER GENERAL LAW TO BE
PASSED. ~
The Sheriffs and Probate Judges
Find That Fees Don't ray
All Salaries to Be Re-
vised in the New
Bill.

The salaries of county officers are like
w to be recast by this legislature. The
subject is occupying the attention OF
county officers here, assome doubt hangs
over the purpose Of the act, establishing
the county, as regards salaries.
At present, everything indicates that a
general law will be introduced to regu-
late salaries in each county. Last week
all the Montana sheritfs except one met
in Helena. The subjectthat had brought
the sheriffs together was fully discussed,
and it was plainly shown to the Legislative
gentlemen that the offices, as paid by the
fees at present, are worthless to the men
holding them. 1t was decided that the
legislature should be asked to recast the
law concerning the emoluments of coun-
ty officers from top to bottom, in which
might be introduced relief for the sherifts
in the form decided upon.
The difficulty of making compensation
for the sheriffs that would be equitable
for all the counties was eX-
emplitied by the variety of views
of the fifteen different gentlemen.
An understanding was reached, however,
on a basis similar to the solution found
by Judge Irvine for the probate courts.
BY it the sheriffs of counties having a
valuation of eight millions and upwards
will receive salary Of $4,000 year;
those of six millions and less than eight
salary of $1,000 year, and those OF
three millions and less than six, salary
of $1,000. This is independent OF the
fees of their offices under the present
system, which are to remain as at present
and 90 toward the expenses of the offices
for under sheriffs and deputies, which
they barely maintain. The foregoing
arrangement IS intended to form pro
vision in a general amendment act con.
corning the salaries and emoluments OF
all county officers. Under the present
fee system the county treasurers, assess
ors and recorders are benefited more OF
less over pre-existing conditions, but it is
understood that their fees shall remain as
at present.
As regards probate judges salaries
Judge Irvine, the probate judge of Silver
Bow, has drawn up bill providing for {
new dispensation for the probate courts
and has left it in the hands of competen
members who are to watch the Interests
of the probate affairs when the propel
time comes. The bill he had drawn pro
vides that judges Of probate court shall
receive salary based on the assessment O
the county in which they are. Wher
the assessment is four millions year AM
upwards, it provides that the judge shall
receive salary of $4,000 year and 81 30
year additional for clerk hire. Wher
the assessment is three millions and les
than four, the Judges salary is to b
$1,000 year and 5000 for clerk hire
with salaries graded according to lowe
assessments down to 81 200 year as tn
smallest salary for judge without clerl
hire.
Judge Irvine directed that the bill h
drew be held back until the amend
ments Of the fee bills proposed by tn
sheritfs, and indeed for all county officers
are arranged, and then made one bill
covering all county officers.
The sheriffs have engaged Hon. I. E
Carter to act as their attorney and pro
mote the success of the proposed bill.