VALENTINE, Neb. — Cherry County elected officials, excluding county commissioners, will receive an 18 percent pay increase beginning in 2027, followed by 3 percent cost-of-living raises from 2028 through 2030.

County commissioners approved the increases Tuesday after weeks of public discussion and debate. State law requires counties to set elected officials’ salaries by resolution every four years.

“In the last three weeks, I’ve gotten more phone calls,” Commissioner Martin DeNaeyer said. “A 20 or 25 percent raise has been met by the public as not welcome.”

The conversation began after several elected officials noted that comparable counties pay 20 to 30 percent more for the same positions. At the same time, pay for several unelected county positions in Cherry County has increased significantly recently, while the previous county board made little adjustment to elected officials’ pay over the past four years.

“I don’t think it’s fair to put it on this board to fix it all,” Commissioner Nina Nelson said, pointing out that previous boards did not approve raises to keep pace with similar counties.

Cherry County Assessor Melissa Bancroft said the increases are justified, citing a sharp rise in property valuations. County valuations have increased by $922 million over the past four years, she said.

“With increased valuations, I don’t see that levies are going to change much,” Bancroft said.

Some elected officials expressed frustration that an 18 percent increase still leaves Cherry County behind comparable counties. Commissioners, however, said they must balance those concerns with public sentiment and fiscal responsibility.

“I do believe you are underpaid, but I also have to be responsive to the public,” Commissioner Mike McConaughey said. He added that the backlash has been intense.

McConaughey and Nelson voted in favor of the pay increase. DeNaeyer voted against it.