If nobody runs, attorney could be appointed
Staff writer
If no one runs for Marion County attorney this year, or — if someone elected by write-in votes declines the job, a temporary county attorney would be appointed by Republican Party officers or the chief judge of the 8th Judicial District.
Marion county attorney Joel Ensey, who has not filed for re-election, wants commissioners to give him a 53% raise.
In meeting with commissioners April 30, Ensey, who is paid $75,000 a year, said prosecutors were paid more in other counties. He added that he didn’t think the county could hire one for less than $100,000.
Commissioner Randy Dallke questioned how many other department heads might ask for raises if commissioners gave Ensey one.
County attorney salaries in the 8th Judicial District vary:
- Interim Morris County attorney Bill Halvorsen, appointed Jan. 23, 2023, after Laura Viar was appointed magistrate judge, is paid $80,196 a year. The county’s population is 5,334.
- Geary County attorney Krista Blaisdell is paid $151,715.20. The county’s population is 35,047.
- Dickinson County attorney Brock Abbey is paid $125,000. The county’s population is 18,445.
- Marion County’s population is 11,690.
Ensey did not respond to an email seeking comment.