WASHINGTON

Washington County Supervisors Tuesday deferred a vote to next week on the future of the county Compensation Committee that consists of unpaid volunteers who recommend salary levels for elected officials. The committee recommendation is not binding; supervisors have the final decision.

During the brief discussion, it was noted that volunteers for the committee are “found” by the board members, which seems to suggest they could be “friends” of the officials. The move to review and possibly eliminate the committee statewide reportedly is locked at 50-50 throughout the counties to approve or disapprove.

There was discussion about a public meeting, noting that the Committee meetings are public but that no one from the public has apparently ever attended the evening sessions. The Committee’s sole purpose is to review proposals and recommend salary levels. Final approval is from the supervisors. The evening meeting time is to accommodate volunteers who generally have full time day jobs.

Supervisors Tuesday also considered what effect eliminating the committee could have on future boards, noting that there had been some comments made to individual members about it turning “political,” and that most of the public don’t seem to know anything about the committee. While it gives a written recommendation, it is not required to have a full report about how it reached it. In other words, it is advisory only, has no binding vote and none on it are compensated for time and service.

The board voted to defer action to next week for a vote that, depending on the outcome, could be followed by a resolution making changes, including dissolution.

In the only two other agenda items, the board approved the termination for Elizabeth Wade, County Communications, effective July 18, and the fireworks permit for Camp Reece in Brighton.