Attorney General Opinions and Advisory Letters

Decision Information

Opinion No. 20-2529

Collection Attorney General Opinions and Advisory Letters
Date 03/29/1920
File Number 1920 Op. Att'y Gen. No. 20-2529

Decision Content

Opinion No. 20-2529

March 29, 1920

BY: O. O. ASKREN, Attorney General

TO: Hon. W. E. Lindsey, Portales, New Mexico.

County Commissioners Not Authorized to Increase Salaries of County Officials.

OPINION

In reply to your letter of March 26th, concerning increase of salaries to the two assistants to the county clerk, advise that neither the Traveling Auditor nor anyone has a right, under the law, to increase the salaries of officers or assistants beyond that prescribed by law.

I appreciate fully that the officers and employes of this state are underpaid when compared with salaries of other persons performing like duties. However, that may be, the law is the law and there is no way to change it except by legislative act, and it would be hazardous for the County Commissioners to allow increases not authorized by law.

With very best personal regards, I am,

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