An analysis of salary data by The Associated Press found scores of local officials — city managers, police chiefs, parks directors, county health agents among them — now drawing bigger paychecks than the governor. In some cases, pay for the same position shot up more than $40,000 in about eight years.
The trend could factor into upcoming state salary decisions. A study of competitiveness of state executive branch pay is underway and could result in raises as soon as next year.