County manager’s raise approved

Wednesday, June 8, 2005 | 9:12 a.m.

Clark County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a 7 percent raise for County Manager Thom Reilly, who one board member said remains "woefully underpaid."

Reilly, 44, had asked commissioners to conduct his annual performance review in an open session at Tuesday's board meeting, a rare move for the normally closed-door proceedings. He asked commissioners for a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment.

Commissioners in addition awarded him a one-time bonus of $7,360, or 4 percent or his previous $184,009 salary. With the adjustment, he will earn $196,889.

The board praised Reilly's performance, which Commissioner Bruce Woodbury said was deserving of a "public administrators hall of fame."

"I would say he's still woefully underpaid," Commissioner Chip Maxfield said.

Reilly last year turned down an offer to serve in a similar capacity in Orange County, Calif., a job that would have likely brought him more than $200,000 a year. Instead, Reilly asked commissioners for a 2.5 percent cost-of-living raise to stay in Clark County.

Reilly oversees a $5 billion annual budget and more than 10,000 employees working in 38 departments. He holds a doctorate in public administration from the University of Southern California.