To the Editor:

Referencing Glenn H. Updike’s letter of Dec. 7 regarding the Southampton County Board of Supervisors proposal to more than double their salaries:

Mr. Updike mentions the fact that our Board of Supervisors authorize themselves the maximum compensation allowed each time it is revised upward.

I submit that they will continue to do so at every opportunity. With a minimum salary of $5,500 per year plus off-site meeting perks for our supervisors, this is extraordinary compensation. It is the maximum compensation that the state feels is appropriate for a Board of

Supervisors in a county of our population.

This board is proposing, and will no doubt pass, the providing of the supervisors and their families with county taxpayers’ paid health care. This could raise the new compensation level for the chairman to as much as $16,200 and the regular board members to $14,500 per year.

While this is outrageous for part-time employees, it is consistent with the attitude of our board and its fiscal irresponsibility. It is, however, inconsistent with the compensation limits specified by the state.

It would be appropriate for the county

attorney to review with the state this proposed compensation increase to determine its legality under state regulations of county board compensation. If it does not violate the letter of the law, it certainly violates the spirit and

intent.

I commend Mr. Updike for his continued

diligence regarding our board and regret not

being able to vote for him as a member of the Board of Supervisors.

Daniel R. Hohman

Berlin/Ivor