Outgoing Koochiching County Commissioner Mike Hanson advocated this week for an increase in per diems paid to commissioners.

While he said he won’t benefit from any increase, the change would encourage more people to seek the elected positions.

“I didn’t know what it paid when I ran,” he said, adding that newly elected District 5 Commissioner Wayne Skoe did not know the amount when he sought to replace Hanson, who did not seek reelection.

Hanson encouraged the board to establish a process to evaluate the rate.

The board set the per diem rate and salary for 2013 this week with no change, but Board Chairman Brian McBride said the board would discuss increasing the commissioner compensation in the coming year, with any changes effective in 2014.

The per diem rate paid to commissioners when they attend meetings outside of regular board meetings was increased to $125 in 1996, but has not been raised since. Commissioners are also paid an annual salary of $13,714.

Hanson said the way commissioners are now paid does not allow some very qualified people to run for the positions.

Most companies, he said, don’t set the pay for “the bosses” at the lowest rate.

“I’d like to see the very best people be able to get here,” he said. Increasing the per diem rate means “the harder you work, the more you make and I like that part,” he said.

Commissioner Wade Pavleck said he’d prefer that commissioners be paid a flat salary, adding that serving as a commissioner shouldn’t be about money, but rather about public service.

“Maybe I’m too idealistic,” he said.

Hanson said he received two phone calls from people interested in his position when he announced he would not see reelection. Both of the potential candidates have experience in government service and are employed, but indicated they couldn’t devote the time needed to serve effectively without additional compensation above what the positions now pay.

McBride said he understood Hanson’s suggestion that increasing per diems encourage commissioners to attend meetings of value to the county and its residents.

In related business, the board this week approved a number of staffing changes.

The board agreed to fill a county forester position, left vacant with the resignation of forester Dan Neary, who worked in the Northome office.

In addition, the board approved filling a 0.8 full-time equivalent public health educator position while at the same time moving a 0.8 FTE public health nurse to full time.

That change is contingent on grant funding.

The board approved hiring of a part-time secretary for the county Attorney’s Office. The position is expected to be filled in January.