CANTON – The St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators Finance Committee has supported salary increases for legislators and keeping the existing health insurance option.

Under the proposal, which must be approved by the full board of legislators, the chairman would receive a $3,000 increase in salary, from $14,000 to $17,000, or $20,000 if he opts out of the county health insurance.

The vice chair would receive a $3,000 increase, from $11,000 to $14,000, or $17,000 if he opts out of the county health insurance.

Legislators would receive $3,000 increases, from $9,000 to $12,000, or $15,000 if they choose to opt out of the health insurance.

The Finance Committee is also recommending a resolution that will include pay increases every four years at the beginning of the new term or that the current group of legislators pass a resolution toward the end of their term for the next group of legislators.

St. Lawrence County legislators have not seen a pay increase since 2000.

Some debate arose between legislators regarding the health insurance coverage. Legislator Joseph Timmerman said he did not believe legislators, who are part-time employees, should be eligible for insurance coverage. He offered an amendment to remove health insurance for legislators, however the amendment failed to pass.

The resolution to increase pay passed 9-3.