St. Lawrence County legislators approve pay increases in 8-7 vote
The St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators approved a pay increase for its members in an 8-7 vote, with the changes taking effect Jan. 1, 2027.
By Jessica Hale, ClickNNY North Country Desk
The St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators approved a pay increase for its members in an 8-7 vote. The changes take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Under the approved plan, rank-and-file legislators will receive $15,000 annually, up from $12,000. Committee chairs will receive $16,000, the vice chair $17,000 and the chair $20,000. The board’s current pay levels date to 2019.
Republicans David Forsythe, Joe Lightfoot, Bill Sheridan, Harry Smithers, Larry Denesha and Rick Perkins voted for the increase, along with Democrats Margaret Haggard and Anthony Levato. Republicans Allan Robinson, Glenn Webster, John Burke, Terry Goodrich, Rita Curran and Jim Reagen voted against it, as did Democrat Nicole Terminelli.
The Finance Committee advanced the pay resolution in a 9-5-1 vote on Oct. 26. The compensation committee that developed the recommendation included three legislators and three community members. Board Chair David Forsythe appointed that committee in August.
The increase is the first for county legislators since 2019. The board has said the work requires substantial time, while opponents raised concerns about increasing pay as residents face financial pressures. Democratic Chair Mike Zagrobelny criticized the process, saying discussions about the increase took place in executive session during a September finance meeting.
St. Lawrence County legislators currently receive $12,000 annually, while the vice chair receives $14,000 and the chair receives $17,000, according to the 2026 county budget. Legislators also may participate in the county health plan.
The new salaries are scheduled to begin Jan. 1, 2027. The St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators provides information about the board and public participation through its official webpage. Its office is at 48 Court St. in Canton, and the listed phone number is 315-379-2276.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
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