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December 2, 2004Board backs lesser pay cut for JaremaByRecord-Eagle staff writer CHARLEVOIX - Charlevoix County commissioners backed off a plan to slash the pay of prosecutor-elect John Jarema, and also won't separate civil counsel duties from the prosecutor's office. Commissioners on Wednesday agreed to increase Jarema's salary for 2005 from a planned $63,000 to $74,500. The board likely will vote on the pay change at their next regular meeting Wednesday. Jarema's new salary will be a 12 percent reduction from outgoing prosecutor Mary Beth Kur's $84,700 yearly pay. Jarema said his $63,000 salary initially proposed by commissioners was less than Kur made nine years ago, when she took over as prosecutor when Richard May left the post to become a district judge. Jarema also noted his was the only county office to receive a budget cut, at a 20.6 percent decrease. Jarema supporters crowded the meeting room Wednesday to express their displeasure at the board's initial move. "In my view and a lot of people's view, it smacks of political retaliation," said Michael Corcoran, an attorney who works with Jarema. Carol Martin said she voted for Jarema expecting him to have the same job, the same tools and opportunities to perform his duties as had Kur. "For you (commissioners) to change my vote I find very offensive," she said. Added audience member Dean Viles: "The county's people voted for John. He won the election, and we need to get behind our prosecutor, not undermine him." Commissioner Valerie Snyder said the board had set Jarema's pay too low. "I think we're sending a message we want a part-time prosecutor, and I really don't think that's a road we want to go down," she said. Some commissioners discussed reviewing Jarema's pay after six months. "When a person comes into a new job, he shouldn't expect to start at the top of the level. You work your way up," said county board chairman Victor Patrick. The reduction to $74,500 is appropriate, Jarema said. Commissioners also agreed to hold off on separating civil county duties from the prosecutor's office after learning they could hire outside counsel on a per-case basis as needed. Said commissioner Shirley Roloff: "(Civil duties) belong in the prosecutor's office. Leave it there. If he doesn't get it done, that's when you bring somebody else in."
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