Editor, The Herald:

Regarding a pay increase for the Prince Edward County Supervisors, I offer a comment. It is never a good idea to have those who decide to have an extra meeting be the same as those who approve extra payment for attendance. This is a conflict of interest regardless of whether the setting is private or public. But particularly where the monies are taxpayer provided, this can only cause problems in the future.

I am not addressing whether increased pay is necessary. I am addressing the form of that pay. If extra pay is determined to be necessary then structure it in a way to avoid the conflict described.

For example, increase the salary. I want to thank the Supervisors for agreeing that any pay increase be discussed in public with citizens offered the opportunity to participate in the decision.

Sally Gilfillan

Farmville