Lincoln County pay hikes collide with lawmakers' spending concerns

Legislator: Local governments 'will have to be part of the solution, and be willing to cut spending'

Lincoln County commissioners are pictured at a recent meeting. (Screenshot)

CANTON — Lincoln County commissioners approved IT salary increases Tuesday amid growing state legislative criticism of local government spending.

The county's IT Director, Jake Oakland, presented data demonstrating significant pay disparities with neighboring Minnehaha County.

“Minnehaha County, that position is at $54.50, and at the city of Sioux Falls, that position is $48.80,” Oakland said, referencing his Systems Administrator position, which currently pays $36.30 hourly. He proposed an increase to $43.16.

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