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PDF versionThe compensation of legislative body members is fixed by resolution of the body, although the General Assembly establishes the minimum compensation in certain classes of counties. T.C.A. § 5-5-107. Currently, the legislative body may not set the compensation of its members at less than the following daily amounts in these classes (delineated by population in T.C.A. § 8-24-101) of counties:
| Third class (50,000-150,000) | $35 | Sixth class (5,500-12,000) | $20 | |
| Fourth class (23,300-50,000) | $30 | Seventh class (3,770-5,500) | $20 | |
| Fifth class (12,000-23,300) | $25 | Eighth class (under 3,770) | $20 | |
A county may adopt a resolution to pay members of the legislative body:
(1) An amount greater than the minimum daily compensation for attendance at meetings of the body, or at committee meetings for which the member is an appointed member;
(2) A base salary; or
(3) A base salary and an amount greater than or equal to the minimum daily compensation for attendance at meetings of the body, or at committee meetings for which the member is an appointed member.
The compensation fixed by the county legislative body for attending duly authorized committee meetings of such body is one half ( ½ ) of the compensation paid for attending regular sessions of the body except that counties opting to pay members a base salary and a set amount for attending meetings may set their own rate for attendance at committee meetings.
Any increase in compensation for members of the county legislative body does not take effect until the beginning of the term following the next election of county commissioners after the resolution increasing the compensation is adopted.
In Hamilton County, the legislative body was statutorily required to set the compensation of its members by a two-thirds vote effective July 1, 1999; each year on July 1 the compensation is adjusted to reflect the same percentage increase received by the county mayor for that year. T.C.A. § 5-5-107.
The compensation of the chair and chair pro tempore is fixed by the county legislative body but if on a per diem basis cannot be less than the amount fixed for members. The compensation of the chair pro tempore cannot exceed the compensation of the chair for like services. T.C.A. § 5-5-103(e).
More information on Compensation can be found under the General Information tab for County Offices.