The commissioners work full time.  There are about 40 employees who earn between $85,000 and $150,000 for full time work, and they have less responsibility than the commissioners.  Remember, the commissioners are the managers of the county and all 1,400 employees work for them.  Why should any employee earn more than the boss?  Is that how it works for you?  The commissioners have had several raises of 1% since 2001.  Work backwards from the $74,298 and you will have the number.  The data is also available on the county website.  If you fellows are worth that much money, there must be 20 or 25 employers asking you to go to work for them now.  People set their own value.